Sunshine Coast aircraft crash: Paramedics rush to airport incident

A flying club president has praised the actions of his pilot during a plane crash at the Sunshine Coast Airport that put two people in hospital.

A flying club president has praised the actions of his pilot following a plane crash at the Sunshine Coast Airport.

Emergency services rushed to the crash at Marcoola about 3.50pm on September 8, 2022.

Paramedics treated two men, one in his 30s and another in his 40s.

Sunshine Coast Aero Club and Flying School president Warren Schulz said he saw his pilot land a Eurofox light plane on one wheel during a flying lesson with a student.

“It’s a tail-wheel aircraft, which means it doesn’t have a wheel on its nose,” Mr Schulz said.

Two men were taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital after the crash. Picture: File

He said the aircraft lost one of its main landing wheels and the pilot of more than 20 years had to improvise.

“(The pilot) has landed on one wheel, which is almost an impossible task,” he said.

“I guess the whole incident was a credit to his skill.”

One of the men suffered neck pain and both were taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in stable conditions.

Sunshine Coast Airport’s Kylie Ezzy said the aircraft had lost a wheel during take off and immediately returned and landed safely on the grassed area on the north side of the runway.

“The runway was closed for approximately one hour which subsequently resulted in the small delay of two arriving aircraft and one departing aircraft while the small aircraft was removed from the side of the runway,” Ms Ezzy said.

“The runway is now fully operational with no further disruptions and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau have been advised.

“We acknowledge the actions of the aircraft operators which resulted in the aircraft landing safely.

“Safety remains our priority and we thank the emergency services for their assistance.”

Police were in attendance but weren’t required for investigations.