Pilot of the fatal Essendon plane crash Max Quartermain was already under investigation by safety authorities

THE pilot of the tragic Essendon plane crash was already under investigation by safety authorities after a ‘near collision’ 18 months ago.

Max Quartermain was already under investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau over a “near collision” at Mount Hotham in 2015.

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THE PILOT of Tuesday’s tragic Essendon crash was already under investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau over a “near collision” at Mount Hotham in 2015.

At about 8.30am on September 3, 2015. Max Quartermain was at the controls of a Beechcraft B200 King Air, which was one of four aircraft preparing to land at Mouth Hotham Airport

As he manoeuvred in poor weather, the aircraft came vertically within 90-metres of another B200 King Air – a “near collision” in aviation terms.

ILL-FATED PLANE GONE IN 60 SECONDS

Max Quartermain was already under investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau over a “near collision” at Mount Hotham in 2015.

After further manouvreing, Mr Quartermain landed his plane, approaching the runway from the wrong direction.

His passengers were reported to be so shaken by the close shave, another pilot had to be flown into Mount Hotham for the return trip to Essendon later that day.

The incident remains under ATSB investigation with the final report expected by May this year.

Following the near collision, Mr Quartermain was subject to a proficiency test but was found to be capable.

Now the ATSB has launched another investigation, into the Essendon crash that claimed Mr Quartermain’s life and that of four American golfers.

Five people died in the plane crash at Essendon Aiport. Picture: Twitter

The very early stages of the investigation have not revealed the sort of issues that would prompt immediate safety or regulatory changes.

The Beechcraft 200 King Air plane was well maintained and had a current Air Operators Certificate.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority will be alerted if any adverse findings concerning aviation safety or regulations are made, and take steps to address those issues.