NAMPS
A quick question for you. Was your quote from The Mercury accurate as to the altitude she was climbing to, "4,400 ft"?
The lowest safe altitude on the Hobart - Devonport route, if my ancient memory is correct, is 5,600'.
I have also heard from friends in Tassie that the conditions on the day were conducive (sp?) to mountain waves. Where the wreckage was found, "Table Mountain", is the southern end of the Great Western Tiers. For those that know Tassie the Tiers mark the boundary of the Central Plateau region and the mountains that run from there to the west coast.
This area can create monumental turbulence in the right conditions.
Before you all jump down my neck I am not saying that is what happened just that the reported media comments appear to be confusing.
My condolences to the family of the pilot for the tragedy that has occurred. It is always a sad day when a life of promise is cut short.