Sunday 19 April 2015
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is coordinating a search for an overdue single engine aircraft to the north west of Gympie, Queensland.
Anyone who observed a light plane operating to the north west of Gympie approximately between 9.30am and 11.20am (AEST) on Saturday, April 18 is requested to contact AMSA Search and Rescue on 1800 815 257.
The plane departed Gympie on Saturday morning at approximately 9.30am for an airstrip in the vicinity of the small town of Dixalea, about 87km west of Gladstone.
AMSA Search and Rescue was alerted the pilot had failed to arrive and a search began about 4.15pm yesterday.
Search aircraft with thermal imaging and night vision equipment undertook searches of the area overnight and a widespread search involving multiple aircraft has commenced from first light this morning.