Outback Queensland is known for its vast horizons and rugged resilience, but even seasoned locals like Robbie Katter, Member for Traeger, are sometimes reminded just how unpredictable life can be above those red-dirt runways. On August 20, 2025, Katter—who also leads Katter’s Australian Party—found himself at the center of a harrowing aviation incident that underscores both the challenges and the personal stakes of public service in Australia’s remote regions.
The drama unfolded around midday at Mount Isa Airport, a critical hub in north-west Queensland. Katter, piloting his 1985 Mooney M20, was concluding a three-day trip through his sprawling electorate in the Gulf of Carpentaria. He had taken off from Normanton, some 500 kilometers north of Mount Isa, earlier that day. The journey was routine for the outback MP, who often flies himself across the 428,911 square kilometre district to stay connected with constituents spread across the vast landscape.
But as the wheels touched down, something went wrong. The plane was damaged on the ground—a result, Katter later admitted, of pilot error related to the landing gear. On board with him were his pregnant wife, Daisy Katter, and his parliamentary chief of staff, Cameron Parker. All three emerged unscathed, though the emotional toll was immediate and profound.
“It was pretty traumatic for everyone, particularly my wife, she’s heavily pregnant,” Katter told ABC News. The relief at their safety was palpable, but the weight of responsibility bore down on him. “When you bring family or staff or friends or anything in there, there’s a very real sense of responsibility when you’re a pilot in command of an aircraft. That’s going to be a real psychological battle for me as well going forward, but I think most of it comes with trying to do things better and tidying up when you make mistakes and improving things too.”
The sense of accountability Katter expressed is not just professional—it’s deeply personal. Flying isn’t just a convenience for him; it’s become an integral part of his work and identity. “It’s a bit of an internal battle for me now… flight has become an integral part of the work that I do,” he reflected. “It’s going to be very hard to consider not flying again. It really hurts me to have an incident like this because I work really hard at my competency.”
For those unfamiliar with the realities of representing a remote electorate, the necessity of personal aviation might be surprising. But in the vastness of north-west Queensland, driving between communities can mean hours—or even days—on the road. The ability to fly shortens these journeys dramatically, allowing Katter to connect with the people he represents and respond quickly to local needs. It took him four years and a reported $50,000 to obtain his pilot’s licence, a testament to both the logistical demands of his role and his commitment to serving the region efficiently.
Yet, this was not the first time Katter’s flying career made headlines for the wrong reasons. In May 2023, he crash-landed the same Mooney M20 at Mount Isa Airport. That time, he forgot to lower the landing gear before touching down, causing the plane to land on its undercarriage and skid some 50 metres before coming to a halt. Reflecting on that earlier incident, Katter called it a “big wake-up call.” According to ABC News, he said then it was too late to abort the landing once he realized the error.
In both incidents, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) was notified, and after the most recent crash, the agency confirmed it was gathering information before deciding whether to launch a formal investigation. No injuries were reported in either case—a fortunate outcome, given the potential for disaster.
While the physical damage to the aircraft is significant—“If you look a bit close, you can see there’s a lot of damage … it will be in the hands of the insurance at this point,” Katter noted—the psychological impact may linger longer. He openly acknowledged the discomfort of discussing the incident and the internal struggle he faces as both a pilot and a public figure. “That’s going to be a real psychological battle for me as well going forward,” he admitted. “But I think most of it comes with trying to do things better and tidying up when you make mistakes and improving things too.”
For now, the fate of Katter’s pilot’s licence remains uncertain. He appeared stoic about the possibility of regulatory consequences. “If that happens, it happens,” he said regarding the prospect of the ATSB revoking his licence. “I’ll deal with it.”
Flight Tracker data reveals just how busy Katter’s schedule had been in the days leading up to the crash. The August 20 incident marked his fifth flight since Monday, August 18, 2025, as he crisscrossed multiple locations in north-west Queensland. Such a pace is not uncommon for politicians tasked with representing some of the most isolated communities in Australia, but it also underscores the risks inherent in frequent solo aviation.
While some might question the wisdom of continuing to fly after two accidents in as many years, Katter’s determination to serve his electorate is undiminished. The demands of the job—and the distances involved—leave little room for alternative solutions. Still, he’s candid about the need for improvement and the lessons learned from each incident.
In the aftermath, Katter’s focus is on recovery and reflection. The damaged Mooney M20 will be handled by insurance, and the ATSB’s findings may shape his future as a pilot. But for now, he’s grateful for the safety of his passengers and the chance to “do things better” in the future.
There’s no denying the stress and responsibility that comes with being both a pilot and a public servant in remote Australia. Katter’s story, with its moments of risk and relief, offers a glimpse into the unique pressures faced by those who serve the outback—where the line between everyday travel and potential tragedy can be alarmingly thin. As the region watches and waits for the outcome of the investigation, one thing is certain: the skies over north-west Queensland will never be routine for Robbie Katter again.
