Media Release
Search for missing twin engine aircraft, north-east Victoria
Australian Search and Resuce is coordinatng a search for a white twin-engine
aircraft that has failed to arrive at Benalla aerodrome in north-east Victoria.
The aircraft with six people on board was last recorded on radar at a position 33 kms south east of Wangaratta in north-east Victoria at around 11am this morning.
Five helicopters and one fixed-wing aircraft are involved in the search which is being hampered by poor weather. At present the weather is extremely poor with dense cloud down to about 180 metres (600 feet).
The aircraft was on a flight from Bankstown Airport in Sydney to Benalla. The aircraft is not responding to radio or phone calls and is no longer on radar. It has not landed at other airfields in the region.
Australian Search and Rescue is appealing to anyone in the Wangaratta-Benalla-Myrtleford region who may have seen or heard a white twin engine aircraft this morning to contact AusSAR on 1800 815 257.
Further information:
Ben Mitchell, 02) 6279 5093 or 0418 164 901