From News.com:
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20479122-2,00.html
AN experienced pilot who died in a crash on Flinders Island may have deliberately slammed his light plane into a mountainside, police said today.
Acting Inspector Mark Wright today said police were following several leads, including that the crash was not an accident.
“We're investigating the circumstances leading up to the crash, including the possibility that it wasn't an accident, that it was a deliberate act,” Insp Wright said.
Peter Waterhouse, 57, was killed just after 6am (AEST) yesterday when his Beech 35 Bonanza slammed into a mountain on the Bass Strait island, off Tasmania's northeast coast, shortly after take-off.
Witness John Robertson said Mr Waterhouse's plane had been gaining altitude before it suddenly ploughed into Mt Killiecrankie.
“He was climbing all right, then the next thing the plane turned sideways and went bang, straight into the side of the mountain,” he said.
“Then there was a big puff of smoke and a big ball of flame.”
Mr Waterhouse reportedly left a note, which was found after he crashed.
Insp Wright would not comment on the note today, saying police were still interviewing witnesses.
He confirmed the Air Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) would not be investigating the crash.
“There's no safety issues identified that require their further investigation,” he said.
Mr Waterhouse's body was transported this morning to Hobart for formal identification and a post-mortem examination, Insp Wright said.
Tasmania Police would present the results of their investigations to Coroner Peter Wilson, who would hand down his findings at a later date.
Very sad.
Condolences to all family and friends.
Di
