Seaplane in fatal crash seen allegedly having difficulty just days earlier

WATCH | The seaplane that crashed during takeoff at Rottnest Island, killing Australian pilot James Wong and two overseas tourists, was filmed having difficulty during a takeoff four days earlier.

The seaplane crashing off Rottnest Island on takeoff.

The seaplane that crashed during takeoff at the holiday island of Rottnest on Tuesday, killing 34-year-old Australian pilot James Wong and two overseas tourists, was filmed having difficulty during a takeoff four days earlier.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has begun examining three iPhone videos of the Cessna aborting a takeoff attempt on the Swan River and drawing the attention of onlookers as it motored back and forth in windy conditions on January 3.

Perth man Martin Oremek, a motor vehicle mechanic for 25 years, was skateboarding home from work when he said he stopped on the city foreshore to film the seaplane as it appeared to strain. Mr Oremek said something did not seem right.

“I just had this feeling, it looked strange to me,” he said.

The company that recently purchased the seaplane acknowledged it did not take off on its first attempt last Friday and attributed this to boats in the vicinity.

“The aborted takeoff on Friday was due to boat traffic and was routine practice,” Swan River Seaplanes director Kristy Bailey said.

Ms Bailey, a commissioner with peak body Tourism Western Australia, said on Wednesday she and others at the seaplane company were devastated by the deaths of two passengers. She offered deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to their families and friends.

She also paid tribute to Mr Wong, an experienced seaplane pilot who had worked in the Whitsundays and in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of James, a talented and dedicated pilot who was an integral and deeply cherished member of our team,” Ms Bailey said.

“Our hearts and thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Cessna Caravan that plunged into the ocean at Thomson Bay off Rottnest Island at 4.05pm on Tuesday was manufactured in 2016 and had recently been flown to Perth to conduct joy flights and to transport people to Rottnest, 21km off the WA coast. Rottnest is often near or at its capacity of 3000 people in summer and publicly available flight logs show the Cessna was busy moving between the mainland and the island in the week before the crash.

The fatal crash in front of holidaymakers onshore and in boats on Tuesday triggered an immediate scramble to help survivors. Members of the public saved lives, according to WA Premier Roger Cook.

Four people were plucked from inside or near the wreckage of the plane on Tuesday afternoon. The three who were later confirmed dead couldn’t be found.

On Wednesday morning, Mr Cook confirmed the three fatalities at a press conference in Perth.

Mr Wong’s passengers were three couples: one couple were from Switzerland, one couple were from Denmark and one couple from Western Australia.

The WA couple – a 63-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman – survived. The Danish woman, 58, survived but her 60-year-old husband was killed. The 63-year-old Swiss man survived but his 65-year-old wife was killed.

Swan River Seaplanes’ Ms Bailey said the company’s priority was always the welfare of passengers and staff.

“We are currently assisting and working with all relevant authorities. We have paused our services during this time to focus on supporting our team and reaching out to the families of passengers to offer support.”

“Swan River Seaplanes was established in 2017 (and had) a 100 per cent safety record until the tragic incident yesterday.

“ In due course we will be able to provide you with more information and notify you about the resumption of our services.”

“The bodies of three deceased were recovered from the wreckage by water police divers last night,” Mr Cook said.

“My thoughts go out to the families and friends of the victims.”

Swan River Seaplanes was founded by Ms Bailey, pilot Troy Thomas and his wife Sophie Thomas.

Mr Thomas and a 12-year-old girl died in a helicopter crash in July 2020 in the far northern WA town of Broome.

Mr Thomas was the pilot and the owner of the helicopter.

A vessel responds to the seaplane crash. Picture: ABC News

Investigators from the Australian Transportation Safety Bureau arrived at Rottnest Island on Wednesday. The bureau’s chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said an investigation into the cause of the crash had begun.

“As reported to the ATSB, during takeoff the floatplane collided with the water, before coming to rest partially submerged,” Mr Mitchell said.

It was initially thought the plane might have hit Phillip Rock, a landmark that stands high above the waterline, but video of the crash did not confirm this.