Reportedly Left Note Behind

Tasmanian authorities are looking at the possibility a fatal plane crash on Flinders Island Monday morning may have been an act of suicide.

Acting Inspector Mark Wright told Australia's News.com police are following several leads regarding the crash of a Beechcraft Bonanza into a mountainside just after the plane took off from an airfield on Bass Strait Island... including the possibility the sole occupant onboard, Peter Waterhouse, may have meant to kill himself in the crash.

"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," Wright said.

One witness to the crash said Waterhouse's plane was gaining altitude and all appeared normal... until the plane banked into the mountain.

"He was climbing all right, then the next thing the plane turned sideways and went bang, straight into the side of the mountain," said John Robertson. "Then there was a big puff of smoke and a big ball of flame."

Waterhouse reportedly left a note behind that was found after he crashed, although Wright would not comment on those reports. Police are still interviewing witnesses, he said.

Australia's Air Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will not investigate the accident, he added. The ATSB typically involves itself only with accidents resulting from a possible safety issue.

"There's no safety issues identified that require their further investigation," Wright said.

FMI: www.focusonflinders.com.au