Tasmania breaking news: Aircraft incident reported at Burnie Airport
The pilot of a small aircraft is safely on the ground after an emergency situation unfolded. Here’s what happened.
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Pilot navigates tricky landing in North-West emergency
A pilot has navigated a difficult landing after triggering emergency procedures at Burnie Airport an hour earlier.
It’s understood the woman who took off in the aircraft about 10.30am struck issues when the mechanical lights indicated the gear was not down as she attempted to land at the site located just off the Bass Highway at Wynyard.
The Mercury understands a manual procedure was conducted for the gear to be lowered.
A TFS spokesperson said the light indicated the gear was not down, but that visually it was.
The light aircraft circled the airport and areas of the North-West while the airport triggered emergency protocol with police saying they were first alerted to the mechanical issue just after 11am.
The TFS confirmed the plan to land the plane involved using the grass next to a runway and that the pilot was attempting to fly-off fuel before doing so.
Earlier estimates predicted the plane wouldn’t land for a few hours, however about 12.25pm, police reported the aircraft had done so.
The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was not physically injured, police confirmed.
The airport resumed normal operations soon afterwards.
12.25pm: The aircraft that had been circling Wynyard has landed, police confirmed.
Police said the pilot, who was the only occupant of the small aircraft, was not physically injured.
The airport has resumed normal operations.
12pm: Tasmania Police confirmed they are responding to the situation with fire crews and other emergency services.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident just after 11am with reports a small aircraft carrying one person may have difficulty landing due to a potential mechanical issue, that the fire service described as the gear lights indicating the gear was not down.
Police confirmed the plane had not attempted to land and the airport had triggered its emergency plan.
Emergency services remain at the scene.
January 10, 11.50am: Emergency services are responding to an aircraft incident at Burnie Airport.
Tasmania Fire Service spokesperson confirmed a light aircraft with one person on board was circling Burnie Airport to burn off fuel.
They said the gear lights indicated the gear was not down, but that visual indications suggested it was.
However, as precaution, the aircraft is circling the area to fly off some fuel before it attempts to land, the spokesperson said.
It’s expected to take a couple of hours and the TFS said the plane would attempt to land on the grass beside the runway when ready.
The fire service is at the scene and standing by until the plane lands.
TasAlert issued a notice of an aircraft incident at the airport that is located just off the Bass Highway at Wynyard.
Tasmania Police have been contacted for response.
Chopper called in to assist police chase
3.30pm: The Westpac rescue helicopter was swooping across Eastern Shore suburbs assisting police hunting down an alleged dangerous driver this afternoon.
Police say a man is in custody but hasn’t been charged following the alleged incident.
Officers report a white Subaru Liberty (registration B24MP) allegedly evaded police on the East Derwent Highway at Gagebrook at about 2.15pm.
The chopper was part of a police operation that later found the vehicle in Sorell and safely took the driver into custody, police said.
Police believe the vehicle was driven dangerously between Gagebrook and Sorell and asks any witnesses to contact Bridgewater police.
Teens on trail bikes allegedly make firearm threats
11am: Two teenagers face multiple charges after an alleged incident at Bridgewater on Wednesday afternoon.
Police believe the teens on a white trail bike allegedly threatened someone known to them with a firearm.
Officers said no firearm was discharged at the incident in the Old Main Rd area, and that no one was injured.
A police hunt of the area resulted in the arrest of two 17-year-olds at a Bridgewater home, officers said.
The teenagers have been charged with firearm and attempted robbery-related offences.
Police say they have been detained to appear in court.
Two hospitalised, more believed to be exposed to carbon monoxide
10.30am: Crews have worked quickly to deem a Glenorchy building safe after reports of carbon monoxide exposure.
Police officers gave the all clear just before 10.30am to deem the site safe.
They say two people were taken to hospital for medical treatment. Earlier reports suggested others may have suffered minor exposure to carbon monoxide.
January 9, 9.52am: Emergency services have swarmed a Glenorchy building after reports of a hazardous materials incident.
Police said a number of people within the building, on Main Rd, were believed to have minor exposure to carbon monoxide.
Officers said two people had already been taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital for treatment.
Tasmania Fire Service crews are at the scene and working to make the site safe.
Police bust allegedly uncovers two stolen shotguns and cash
3.45pm: Police have allegedly uncovered two stolen shotguns, ammunition, a number of fraudulent Tasmanian licences and cash believed to be proceeds of crime, officers report.
Police said the raid of an Invermay home on Tuesday was conducted by members of the Northern Drugs and Firearms Unit.
A 45-year-old Mole Creek man was arrested at the scene police confirmed.
He has since been charged with multiple offences, including possession of stolen firearms, possession of a shortened firearm and possessing a firearm when not the holder of a firearm licence of the appropriate category, as well as unlawful possession of property and breach of bail.
Police said the man has previously been charged with trafficking methylamphetamine after police allegedly seized a quantity of the drug following a search at Newstead in January. It is not known if the man has been found guilty of those offences in court.
The Mole Creek man was detained to appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court today.
Driver seriously injured after car and truck crash
Update January 8, 8am: Officers believe a red Suzuki hatch bulled out of a business car park to turn right and was struck by a truck — travelling north on Main Rd, Exeter.
The driver of the car suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Launceston General Hospital by ambulance, police say.
Emergency services were reportedly called to the incident about 2.37pm.
The road was closed for four hours to allow crash investigators to examine the scene.
Police said their investigations were continuing.
3.40pm: Emergency services remain at the scene of a reported crash between a car and a truck on Main Rd, Exeter after a person was seriously injured, police say.
Officers confirmed the person was an occupant of one of the vehicles involved and is considered to be seriously injured.
There is no further information as to whether they have been transported to hospital at this stage.
Main Rd, Exeter, the scene of the crash, remains closed since 2.50pm.
Diversions are in place at Frankford Rd and Gravelly Beach Rd until further notice.
Warning issued on drunk trail bike riding after charges laid
January 7, 9.15am: A man is lucky to have not killed or seriously injured himself after allegedly breaking multiple laws while riding a trial bike, officers say.
Police reported the 35-year-old was intercepted by officers in Queenstown on Saturday.
They allege he was riding an unregistered and uninsured trail bike on a public street while under the influence of alcohol and not wearing a helmet and without a licence.
The incident, reportedly around 7.35pm, is believed to have occurred on Peters St.
“At the time he was not wearing a helmet, and he does not have a motorcycle endorsement on his driver's licence,” said Acting Inspector Martin Parker.
“The man was transported to Queenstown Police Station for a breath analysis where he returned a positive result.”
He warned riding an unregistered trail bike on a public street without a licence, while not wearing a helmet and being under the influence of alcohol could have a devastating outcome.
“This man was lucky to have not killed or seriously injured himself or someone else in a crash.
“If you’re riding a motorcycle, always obey all road rules, to help us keep everyone safe.”
The 35-year-old man was charged with multiple road offences.
He was bailed to appear in the Queenstown Magistrates Court on April 14.
Police call off search for paddleboarders reportedly in distress
UPDATE 4.17pm: Police have spoken to the group concerned and there are no longer searches underway.
3.49pm: Police have not been able to locate four stand-up paddleboarders believed to be in distress off of Cremorne Beach.
Police and specialist resources were called to the Cremorne Beach, Cremorne area after receiving reports of a group of people who may be in distress at that location.
Police aid the search is ongoing however nobody and nothing has been located at this stage.
Initial reports received by police were that there could be up to four stand up paddle board riders who may be in distress in that general area.
Police are seeking assistance from members of the public who may have any information in relation to this matter to contact Tasmania Police on 131444 or triple-0 in an emergency situation
Four fines issued following community tip-offs
11.22am: A community tip-off has helped police issue almost $3000 in fines to four individuals over the weekend relating to alleged littering, graffiti and starting an illegal campfire.
St Helens Police said four men were issued infringement notices in three separate incidents over the weekend.
A 20-year-old man was given a fine of $1010 after he was allegedly found spraying graffiti on the Scamander Bridge on Friday night.
A 19-year-old man allegedly found dumping building rubbish in a forest plantation near Beaumaris received a $1010 fine.
Police said two men were each given a $404 fine after they allegedly lit a campfire in the Cosy Corner North campground, located inside Bay of Fires Conservation Area.
Campfires are banned in national parks and reserves during the fire permit period, which police state is clearly signed in all campgrounds.
Police are asking anyone who witnesses illegal or anti-social behaviours to report the activity to police on 131 444.
Two crashes bring Bass Highway to halt
10.14am: The Bass Highway has been cleared following the crashes.
December 6, 9am: Two separate crashes on a highway in northwestern Tasmania have brought traffic to a halt, with the Bass Highway closed to westbound traffic on Monday.
Police and emergency services responded to reports of two separate crashes on the Bass Highway near Sulphur Creek on Monday morning around 6.30am.
Only minor injuries were reported, with police closing the Bass Hwy to westbound traffic towards Burnie prior to the roundabout at Sulphur Creek.
Police are assisting in crash clean-up efforts while the road remains closed.
Police have advised motorists to seek an alternate route if possible and approach that area with caution.
Man arrested after allegedly shooting at vehicle
12.30pm: Police have arrested and charged a northern Tasmanian man after shots were fired at an occupied car on Saturday.
Tasmania Police undertook a search at a Legana property following a firearms incident in the Beauty Point area.
Police alleged that a 24-year-old man from Legana shot from a vehicle containing two men at 11am on Saturday.
The shot was fired towards a second vehicle, containing a male passenger and driver who were not injured.
Police confirmed all men are known to each other.
The Legana man was arrested following a search of the address and charged with firearms offences and detained for court.
Police are continuing their investigations into the incident.
Four overnight rescues prompt bushwalker safety advice
December 5, 9.13am: Tasmania Police have issued a bushwalker safety reminder after four people were rescued overnight on Saturday and into the early hours of Sunday.
Police’s Marine and Rescue division responded to two Emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) activations on Saturday.
Early on Saturday, a group walking in the Western Arthurs Range in southwest Tasmania activated their EPIRB after a member of their party suffered a medical episode.
Police rescue were able to extract the man via helicopter and transport him to the Royal Hobart Hospital.
At around 3pm on Saturday, a walker was reported missing on the Iron Bound Range on the South Coast Track in southern Tasmania.
Police said the man’s walking party activated an EPIRB and Garmin InReach device after the walker was several hours overdue to meet his group near the Iron Bound Range High Camp.
Police confirmed a helicopter was deployed to search for the missing walker, with the walker located and reunited with his party at around 7.30pm on Saturday.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was also dispatched at around 11pm on Saturday to rescue two female bushwalkers at Cradle Mountain.
Police said the paid became stranded without overnight equipment after they did not leave enough time to return before nightfall from the Summit Track.
They were located and winched to the helicopter about 12:40am.
“Police advise bushwalkers against walking alone, and to ensure they carry sufficient warm clothing, food, and emergency communication devices,” a Tasmania Police spokesperson said.
“A two-way messaging emergency device is preferred.”
Other recommendations by Police included:
– Ensure you’re prepared with appropriate equipment – take a map and torch, clothing and footwear to suit any conditions, regardless of the season take a waterproof jacket; adequate food and water, first aid kit.
– Research your intended trip – ensure the trip is within your abilities and fitness level, and you have a route plan, map and check the expected weather forecast.
– Let someone know before you go – ensure someone knows your route and expected return time.
– Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and consider a portable charger to extend battery life. Batteries do not last as long when cold and mobile navigation apps deplete batteries quicker than other apps.
– Carry a Personal Locator Beacon but be aware that they are a one-way communication device.
– Be flexible. Be prepared to turn back or change plans if severe weather is forecast or eventuates during the walk. Making the decision to push on when you should turn back can put you in danger.
Alleged evade incident results in two people charged
10.05am: Two people have been charged following an alleged police evasion incident in northern Tasmania on Friday.
Tasmania Police were called to a Forth property on noon Friday following reports of a burglary.
Police said they attempted to intercept a vehicle, that then evaded police along several rural roads until the vehicle and its occupants were taken into custody “without further incident”.
A 28-year-old man from Forth was taken into custody and charged with numerous offences relating to firearms, drugs, stolen property, breach of bail, driving while disqualified, evade police, burglary, stealing, reckless driving and possessing a dangerous article in a public place.
A 25-year-old Newnham woman was also charged with offences relating to possession of stolen property and breach of bail.
No physical injuries were reported from the incident and investigations remain ongoing into the burglary.
Police have asked anyone with information or dashcam footage of a blue Ford Mondeo travelling in the Forth, Ulverstone or Rianna areas on Friday to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000.
CBD strip again closed due to burst water main
January 4, 8am: A part of Liverpool Street has again been closed to through traffic due to a burst water main, the same location as a break earlier this week.
TasWater Operations Manager South Dario Fernandes said it was alerted at around 5am on Saturday to a burst 150mm water main outside 161 Liverpool Street Hobart.
“Our crews were onsite by 5.20am to shut off the water and begin repairs,” he said.
“About 10 properties along Liverpool Street are now without water while we undertake repairs.
“We expect the repairs to take approximately six hours.”
Shortly after the alert to the burst water main, Tasmania Police shut off the section of Liverpool Street between Harrington and Murray Street to vehicles, asking that pedestrians use caution and follow signage.
Another water main burst in the same location on Thursday, inundating businesses with water while the repairs took place.
It is not yet clear if the water main that burst on Saturday was also the cause of Thursday’s flooding.
Charges laid after alleged altercation between teenagers
January 3, 1pm: A 15-year-old boy will face court over an alleged altercation involving three others at Wynyard.
Police have charged the teenager after a 17-year-old allegedly suffered significant injuries to his face.
Officers say they responded to reports a disturbance involving four teenagers in Inglis St, Wynyard about 12.20 on Sunday, 29 December.
Police allege the teenagers — two aged 17 and two aged 15 — were known to each other with the injured teen transported to the North West Regional Hospital with serious, but not-life-threatening injuries.
The 15-year-old boy reportedly presented to Burnie Police Station on Thursday and has since been charged with Criminal Code Assault.
He is set to appear in the youth justice division of the Burnie Magistrates Court at a later date.
Originally published as Tasmania breaking news: Aircraft incident reported at Burnie Airport
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