Three killed in Queensland bushfire-fighting plane crash

A pilot and two passengers were helping with the bushfire crisis when the plane crashed on the way from Toowoomba to Mt Isa.

A 69OA twin commander is believed to have crashed in Queensland.

Three people are dead after an aircraft assisting with western Queensland’s bushfire battle crashed on the way from Toowoomba to Mt Isa.

A pilot and two passengers, beloved to be camera operators tasked with fire-mapping, were on board the aircraft when it disappeared from radar screens about an hour into the flight.

Wreckage was found about 40km northwest of McKinlay, 230km southeast of Mt Isa, around 5pm on Saturday.

A statement said Rescue 400 helicopter located the wreckage from the air while ground crews made their way to the site, The Courier-Mail reports.

“Around 2.30pm, emergency services were contacted by a member of the public alerting them to the crash near a mine site,” it said.

BREAKING: Three people have been killed in a plane crash near Mount Isa. The plane was being used to fight bushfires. https://t.co/VZ3A1cHvFd@Jordan_Bissell7#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/KtKGQtnWwt

— 7NEWS Brisbane (@7NewsBrisbane) November 4, 2023

The turbo prop was understood to be contracted to Queensland Fire and Emergency and was providing support to the air tankers being used to douse the flames.

The entire fleet of firefighting aircraft has been grounded while investigators examine the cause, and check the fuel supply in Toowoomba.

It’s understood the 69OA twin commander was operated by AgAir, which has a contract with QFES to assist with the current bushfire crisis in western Queensland.

Queensland police are investigating and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau is also expected to launch an investigation.

Terribly sad that three brave souls working to help their fellow Australians have lost their lives in Queensland.

A tragic reminder of the dangers those on the front line of bushfires face.

Heartfelt condolences to their loved ones and colleagues in this time of grief.

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 4, 2023

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan issued a statement on Saturday night expressing their “great sadness” about the crash.

“The three people on board the aircraft have been playing a critical role saving lives and protecting property thanks to their intelligence and mapping work from the air to assist firefighting efforts on the ground,” the statement said.

Ms Palaszczuk said her deepest sympathies were with family, friends and colleagues of those who had lost their lives.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to the many people who have been impacted by this shocking incident.”

Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Mark Ryan said the tragedy would hit the aerial firefighting teams hard.

“For weeks now the teams in the air supporting the firefighting efforts have been working together to keep Queenslanders safe,” the Minister said.

“So many of them know each other, work together, dedicate themselves to the same goal, to keep everyone safe.

“To lose a team of their own will be especially hard.

“My heartfelt sympathies go to everyone who is hurting right now, the families, the friends, and the colleagues of the crew who have lost their lives.”

Bushfires in Queensland have destroyed homes and property, including at Dalveen, near Warwick. Picture: NCA NewsWIRE / John Gass