Today’s search area was focused on an inland area north west of Gympie and south east of Monto.
AMSA Search and Rescue tasked a total of five fixed wing aircraft and 13 helicopters throughout today to assist in search activities. The aircraft were from locations across south east Queensland.
Today, (Sunday, 19 April) the aircraft searched a cumulative area of more than 13,700 square kilometres (4000 square nautical miles). Some areas of the mountainous terrain were searched multiple times by the 18 aircraft involved.
No sign of the missing aircraft has been located at this stage.
The overdue single engine plane departed Gympie on Saturday morning 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, April 18 is requested to contact AMSA Search and Rescue on 1800 815 257.
MEDIA NOTE: Further information on search activities will be provided when available.