Ball Bay plane crash: Man dies in light plane crash

A beloved Kuttabul grandfather had been enjoying a joy flight when the plane encountered engine troubles and crash landed on a beach at Ball Bay.

A beloved Kuttabul grandfather had been enjoying a joy flight when the plane, flown by his friend an experienced pilot, encountered engine troubles and crash landed on a beach at Ball Bay.

Tragically 83-year-old Gerardus Miltenburg, known as Gerry, died at the scene.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the fatal crash that occurred about 7.30am on Christmas Eve after the experienced pilot attempted to make an emergency landing.

Ball Bay resident Warren Wright said he “heard the chopped come down” and rushed to beach.

“It’s devastating,” he said.

“I looked up the beach and … I seen the plane there.

Ball Bay resident Warren Wright said the fatal plane crash on the beach on Christmas Eve would be devastating for a lot of people. Photo: Janessa Ekert

“I heard the plane take off … didn’t hear anything else, then heard the chopper coming (down).

“It’s going to devastate a lot of people, especially the day before Christmas.”

Police have confirmed the man who died was a Kuttabul local and the pilot was 65-year-old Haliday Bay man.

Peter McDougall, the pilot, was flown to Mackay Base Hospital with a head injury. He was treated in the emergency ward but not admitted.

Multiple emergency crews were on scene investigating the crash and gathering evidence from the wreckage ahead of the incoming tide including forensic crash, scenes of crime, Mackay detectives, SES, fire and rural fire crews and paramedics.

Inspector Damien Wells confirmed the light aircraft took off from a nearby airfield and “immediately reported some engine issues”.

“It attempted an emergency landing on the beach,” Insp Wells said.

“Unfortunately the landing was not successful and an 83-year-old male passenger was … declared dead at the scene.”

Insp Wells said it was understood it was meant to be a “quick flight” around some of the islands off the coast.

“Obviously this is a deeply impactful incident that has occurred here today,” he said.

Investigators inspect the wreckage of a plane that crashed at Ball Bay claiming the life of the 83-year-old passenger. Photo: Janessa Ekert

“It will have an affect on the community.”

The ATSB has confirmed it is investigating the crash involving an amateur-built Jodel D11 light aircraft.

“The wreckage was recovered ahead of a rising tide, and will be kept in a secure location for examination by ATSB investigators, who will retrieve any relevant components for further examination in the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra,“ ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.

“The ATSB will analyse any recorded data, as well as interview witnesses and other involved parties.

It is understood the pilot had engine troubles almost immediately after taking off. Photo: Janessa Ekert

“A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation, however, should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.

Police and ATSB investigators are urging anything with information, footage or who may have seen the aircraft at any point while it was in the air to come forward.

“The ATSB anticipates publishing a preliminary report detailing basic information gathered in the investigation’s evidence collection phase in approximately 6-8 weeks,“ Mr Mitchell said.

Contact the ATSB at [e-mail].

A man who died in a tragic light plane crash north of Mackay has been identified as an 83 year old local resident.

The pilot of the downed light aircraft has been flown to Mackay Base Hospital by rescue helicopter as investigations get under way into the tragedy.

His 83-year-old male passenger died at the scene of the crash on the beach at Ball Bay just after 8am.

The extensively damaged light aircraft remains on the beach with the incoming tide approaching as forensic investigations get under way into the tragedy.

It is understood the crash victim’s family was on scene soon after the crash was reported.

They were seen emotionally embracing each other.

Inspector Damien Wells said the privately owned plane left a nearby airstrip but it was not known what time the flight departed.

But soon after takeoff, Inspector Wells said the pilot reported engine issues and attempted to make an emergency landing.

It crashed onto the sand about 100m from the vegetation strip.

Multiple emergency services crews responded to the incident reported at Ball Bay, about 45km north of Mackay.

Initial reports suggested the plane was upside down on the sand towards the southern end of the beach off Ward Esplanade.

Crews are racing against the incoming tide, with the aircraft believed to be below the high-tide marker with the sea level rising.

It is understood the pilot raised the alarm with emergency services just after 8am.

Queensland Ambulance paramedics are on scene.

Police are on scene and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified.