Seaplane in emergency landing near Hamilton Island’s Airport Drive in Whitsundays

A seaplane has made an emergency landing in the Whitsundays, with six on board forced to escape the aircraft. One Queensland woman who survived the ordeal has described how lucky they were.

Six people escaped after a seaplane had to make an emergency landing after taking off from Hamilton Island.

Six people have survived a seaplane “crash” off a tourist hotspot in the Whitsundays.

The pilot of the plane made an emergency landing just off Hamilton Island about 1pm Wednesday.

Queensland woman, Sue Sykes, has already posted on social media after the incident: "Our holiday that we won’t forget! Survived a plane crash. We are all ok. Photo to come later."

“So lucky … buy a Lotto ticket,’’ one shocked friend posted.

“I bought one last night,’’ Ms Sykes replied. “Haven’t checked it yet!”

“Just watched our footage and the footage from the other two passengers. We are lucky.’’

Many of her friends expressed relief that she was okay.

“Hope you are feeling ok. Shock may take a while to set in. Take care.’’

A seaplane had to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff from Hamilton Island airport. Picture: 9 News Queensland

Ms Sykes did not want to speak to media after her ordeal but said: “Everybody is fine and we were safe and dry during the rescue. Pilot did the best job she could under the circumstances. Credit to her.”

An ambulance spokesman said a crew was on standby, but no injuries had been reported.

A Hamilton Island spokesman said the seaplane had taken off from the island and “experienced difficulties, resulting in a precautionary landing”.

“The six passengers on board and the pilot were not injured and the aircraft sustained minor damage,” the spokesman said.

“Hamilton Island Airport was closed for a short period of time and has now reopened.

“Investigations are under way into the cause of the incident.”

The spokesman said all six people on board the plane were collected by a boat and taken back to shore.

Six people survived after a seaplane crashed into waters off Hamilton Island.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau stated it was currently “gathering further information” in order to decide whether to investigate the “forced landing” involving a de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver floatplane”.

“The aircraft, with six people on board, was reported to have conducted a forced landing on the water shortly after takeoff due to engine power loss,” the ATSB stated.

“No injuries were reported.”

It is understood Hamilton Island Airport briefly closed after the incident but has since reopened.

It is the second incident involving a seaplane in the Whitsundays this month.

On November 14, a seaplane crashed at the mouth of the Proserpine River about 11am.

The two occupants of the light aircraft were located safe and well on nearby Conway Beach.

In 2018, tragedy struck when Pete and Sue Hensel, from Hawaii, died in a helicopter crash at Hardy Reef.

The pilot and two rear seat passengers, the daughter and partner of Ms Hensel, escaped with minor injuries.

The helicopter, which was never recovered, was run by Whitsunday Air Services and had taken off at Hamilton Island Airport on a charter flight to the Reef.

In January, 2016, another plane departing from Hamilton Island crashed with 10 tourists on board.

An investigation found the pilot’s delayed decision led to the crash into trees during a baulked landing at Chance Bay.

On September 26, 2002 six people were killed after a plane crashed and burst into flames on Hamilton Island.

Four New Zealanders, one American and an Australian pilot were killed when the Piper Cherokee Six, owned by Hamilton Island Aviation, crashed.

Eyewitnesses said the plane took off about 5pm, reached about 120 metres before crashing on the side of a hill.

In 2005 and 2006 an inquest was held into the deaths of Joanne Bowles, Kevin Bowles, Sophie Bowles, Michael Bowles, honeymooner Christopher Andre Le Gallo and pilot Andrew Morris.