AMSA has tasked a total of five fixed wing aircraft and 13 helicopters to assist in today’s search activities. The aircraft are from locations across south east Queensland.
The search area is currently focused on an inland area north west of Gympie and south east of Monto. The current search area is about 5740 square kilometres (1670 square nautical miles) in size.
The single engine 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.
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.