The search continues to be focused on an inland area north west of Gympie and south east of Monto.
AMSA Search and Rescue have tasked a total of five fixed wing aircraft and 12 helicopters to assist in search activities today. The aircraft are from locations across south east Queensland, and includes two of AMSA’s dedicated search and rescue Dornier fixed wing aircraft.
Today’s search area is 6200 square kilometres in size (1800 square nautical miles).
No sign of the missing aircraft has been located at this stage.
Yesterday, (Sunday, 19 April) the aircraft searched a cumulative area of more than 13,700 square kilometres (4000 square nautical miles). The overdue single engine plane departed Gympie on Saturday morning (18 April) at approximately 9.30am for an airstrip in the vicinity of Dixalea, about 87km west of Gladstone.
AMSA Search and Rescue was alerted that the pilot had failed to arrive in Dixalea and a search began about 4.15pm on Saturday.
Anyone who observed a light plane operating to the north west of Gympie approximately between 9.30am and 11.20am (AEST) on Saturday, 18 April is requested to contact AMSA Search and Rescue on 1800 815 257.