Queensland Police assist in search for missing light plane at McKinlay
Three people have died after their light plane crashed while assisting firefighters battling bushfires in Queensland.
Three people have died after their light plane crashed while assisting firefighters battling bushfires in Queensland.
Queensland Police were called by a member of the public about reports of light plane crash at McKinlay, 104km southeast of Cloncurry, about 2.30pm on Saturday.
Three people were on board the plane when it crashed near the Eloise Copper Mine site about 40km north west of McKinlay.
Police confirmed the Rescue 400 helicopter found the wreckage from the air while ground crews made their way to the site.
Officers arrived on scene about 5pm, where three people on board were found and confirmed dead.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services had contracted the plane to undertake fire mapping.
In a statement, QFES paid tribute to the three people who died on Saturday.
“Our hearts are heavy following the fatal plane crash this afternoon in north west Queensland and the tragic loss of three people supporting our bushfire response,” QFES posted on social media.
“During natural disasters in Queensland, we respond as a family.
“That family includes those contracted to support our aerial operations.
“Side-by-side we have been fighting these bushfires as one and their loss is felt by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends and those who worked alongside them, including our Air Operations personnel.”
Our hearts are heavy following the fatal plane crash this afternoon in north west Queensland and the tragic loss of three people supporting our bushfire response. During natural disasters in Queensland, we respond as a family. That family includes those contracted to support our…
— Qld Fire & Emergency (@QldFES) November 4, 2023
QFES confirmed it had contracted the plane to support the Queensland bushfire response and conduct line scans.
A QFES spokesman confirmed other planes will now be grounded until further notice as the crash investigation continues.
“The aircraft was the same type as one that is used as the lead plane for the Large Aerial Tanker (LAT),” the spokesman said.
“Both the LAT and the lead plane will be grounded until advised by authorities.”
The plane had been travelling from Toowoomba to Mt Isa when it crashed near Cloncurry.
The cause of the crash is currently unknown.
A Queensland Police spokeswoman said it was difficult for emergency rescue crews to reach the site.
“Officers from Mount Isa and a rescue helicopter are attempting to reach the aircraft which is in difficult terrain,” the spokeswoman said.
A witness told Nine News they had seen a plume of smoke about 30km off the Landsborough Highway around the area the plane reportedly crashed.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will carry out a transport safety investigation.
The Forensic Crash Unit will also investigate the crash of behalf of the State Coroner.
It’s understood the missing plane is 275 Gulfstream 695A Jetprop Commander 1000 known as a “Birddog”.
The plane disappeared of the flight radar between Mt Isa and Cloncurry after departing Toowoomba earlier in the day.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was “terribly saddened” to hear about the tragedy.
“The crew on board this aircraft have been doing everything they could to protect Queenslanders,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to the many people who have been impacted by this shocking incident.”
I’m deeply saddened to hear the news that an aerial firefighting crew have lost their lives after their plane went down north-west of McKinlay.
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) November 4, 2023
I send my heartfelt condolences to the many people who have been impacted by this shocking incident.
Queensland’s Fire and Emergency Services minister 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,“ Mr Ryan 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.”
More to come.
Massive HECS change coming to home buyers
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said he is asking for a “commonsense” change that will allow help more Australians purchase their first home.
Door open for taxpayers to own Rex
While the beleaguered Rex Airlines is yet to find a buyer, Anthony Albanese has promised to keep the carrier flying in regional and remote Australia.