Investigation launched after single-engine plane crash near Bulman left two dead

An investigation has been launched after two people whose plane went missing on Christmas Eve were found dead in Arnhem Land.

The plane departed from the Gove Peninsula in East Arnhem Land.

An investigation has been launched into a single-engine plane crash that killed two people travelling in the light aircraft.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority confirmed the bodies of the pilot and passenger were located in the wreckage of the single-engine plane, a Cessna 210N, near Bulman, about 240km north east of Katherine.

On Monday afternoon, NT Police said the 22-year-old male pilot and his 43-year-old female passenger did not survive the crash.

Condolences flowed on social media on Monday afternoon, with many sending their thoughts to the family members of the two people killed in the crash.

“How sad for the families,” one person wrote.

“May they rest in peace.”

Another said the news was “devastating”.

A search was launched on Sunday after a plane travelling from Gove to Tindal went missing on Christmas Eve.

The aircraft left Gove about 8.30am on Saturday and was scheduled to arrive at Tindal about 10.30am.

NT Police said the light plane had not been heard from since its departure at 8.30am.

Additional resources from Cairns and Essendon assisted with the air search as well as NT-based aircraft.

An investigation has been launched into a plane crash that killed two people in Arnhem Land. Picture: ATSB

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is now investigating the crash, with investigators from the bureau’s Brisbane and Canberra offices deploying to the crash site on Monday.

ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said the bureau was working with NT Police to determine accessibility to the crash site, which was located in dense bush.

“The initial ATSB safety investigation will include an examination of the wreckage, assessment of aircraft and pilot records, forecast and actual weather information, and any available recorded data,” Mr Mitchell said.

“The ATSB’s evidence collection will define the size and scope of the investigation and determine the expected time frame for the completion of a final report.

“A report will be published at the completion of the investigation.

“However, should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties.”

A preliminary report will be released in six to eight weeks.

In 2017, two people were killed after the Cessna 210 they were flying in crashed at Gunn Point Road near Howard Springs.