Australian Maritime Safety Authority searches for plane missing near Federation Peak in Tasmania’s South-West

Airlines of Tasmania says it has grave concerns for the pilot of a plane that has gone missing in the Southwest National Park.

Federation Peak in the South West National Park.

UPDATED: AIRLINES of Tasmania says it has grave concerns for the pilot of a plane that has gone missing in the Southwest National Park.

Company managing director Shannon Wells confirmed the plane had gone missing during a routine flight to collect tourists from Melaleuca about 8.30am near the Arthur Ranges today.

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“The aircraft is a twin-engine Islander and is fitted with a satellite tracker,” Mr Wells said.

“As a result of this, we have a reasonably accurate position of where the aircraft could be found.

“Unfortunately, we do not know the condition of the pilot or what has led to these circumstances, but we do have grave concerns for this pilot who has been with the company for three years and is very experienced and well qualified.

“Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the pilot, including all colleagues.”

EARLIER: A SEARCH is under way for a plane missing in the Southwest National Park.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority responded to a beacon activation about 8.30am today.

The authority’s challenger jet and two Tasmania Police helicopters are searching an area of about 171 square kilometres for the light aircraft.

There has been no contact with the plane, understood to have one person on board, since the beacon was activated.

An Australian Maritime Safety Authority spokeswoman said the search team was battling rugged terrain and poor weather.

“The helicopters are actually waiting out a bit of bad weather before continuing,” she said.

“They’re doing everything they can at this stage to locate the aircraft.”

A Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokesman said the beacon had been activated around Federation Peak.

“We are monitoring the situation and hoping for the best,” he said.