Two men, two children confirmed dead after light plane crashes near Redcliffe

The pilot of a light plane that crashed in waters north of Brisbane, killing him and three passengers, has been identified.

A family joy ride has turned into a Christmas tragedy after two children and two men died in a plane crash north of Brisbane.

The four-seater light plane disappeared behind mangroves and crashed into the sea after it took off from Redcliffe Aerodrome, about 9am on Sunday.

In a tragic set of events the pilot’s family were at the aerodrome and became concerned when the plane failed to return.

On board the single engine plane was Moreton Bay region pilot and millionaire businessman Robert Watterson, 67, a 41-year-old Brisbane man and his daughter, 10, and son, 9.

Inspector Craig White said the pilot’s family, who are from Brisbane, were at the aerodrome at the time as part of a family day.

Pilot Robert 'Roy' Watterson (Facebook image)

“The family are deeply traumatised as you would expect,” Insp White said.

“It’s a tragic accident … it’s the lead-up to Christmas and it’s the last thing that any family needs to go through at any time.

“The families became aware when they knew that the aircraft hadn’t returned on site and also they began looking at social media posts.”

Mr Watterson was known to family and friends as Roy.

The plane, a Rockwell Commander 114 with registration VH-WMM, was owned by Mr Watterson but Insp White said it was believed to be a prearranged joy flight. However it is understood it was not a paid flight.

A light plane has crashed near Redcliffe. Image: Alexandra Cullen/7NewsBrisbane

Mr Watterson was a successful businessman who founded the Lincom Group, which provides equipment to the mining and forestry industry. The company has operations across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

Police said they were still trying to contact family of the passengers late yesterday. Insp White said the pilot was not related to the passengers.

He said another aircraft in the area found the crashed plane, upturned and in shallow water near the mangroves.

The police are working alongside the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to find out why the plane crashed.

Plane enthusiasts yesterday noted the landing gear of the plane was still extended, meaning it was likely the tragedy unfolded quickly as it was not the preferred method for an emergency ditching into water.

ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said early reports indicated the plane crashed “not long after take off”.

A light plane that crashed off Redcliffe. Picture: 7 News Brisbane

There were unconfirmed reports the plane’s engine stopped after takeoff but Mr Mitchell said it was “still very early to make that call”.

He said parts of the plane could be sent to specialist labs in Canberra for further analysis.

ATSB investigators with experience in aircraft operations and maintenance would be involved in the investigation and teams would also seek air traffic control information and witness accounts.

Teams would also look from any information from the aircraft including any recorders on-board.

Mr Mitchell asked anyone with information about the crash to contact them.

The ATSB will release a preliminary report in six to eight weeks, he said.
After the crash Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the plane was in a difficult area to access, in the wetlands area., with police divers among the crews sent in.

Emergency services at Redcliffe Aero Club. Picture: Richard Walker

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