Aircraft Missing in QLD

[Trevor Sinclair]

Hi peeps just got a news alert on the from news.com.au

A LIGHT plane carrying two people is believed to have crashed off Queensland's South Stradbroke Island.

The plane, believed to be a Russian-built vintage Yak 52 aircraft, was reported missing on a flight from Archerfield airport, west of Brisbane, to an undisclosed destination early this afternoon.

Water police were searching around Jumpinpin Bar, between north and south Stradbroke Island, off southeast Queensland, after the plane reportedly went down in the area about 12.30pm (AEST).

"We do know a plane was overdue, believed missing," Chris Sullivan from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said.

RACQ CareFlight rescue helicopter spokesman Brian Russell said three helicopters and a number of boats were searching the Jumpinpin Bar and surrounding area this afternoon.

"We had a call about 12.30pm this afternoon for a light plane that has gone into the water just south of Jumpinpin Bar," Mr Russell said.

"We have been searching for three hours but there has been no sighting of any wreckage, as yet."

Searchers were due to meet at the Couran Cove resort late this afternoon to formulate another search pattern, he said.

It's believed a person on a beach reported seeing the plane crash into the water.

[Scott Lindsell]

Between the US an Oz alone, this is about the 6th YAK crash in recent times

[David Knudsen]

Just had a news update on Ch 9 then saying there is still no trace of the aircraft.

[Craig Murray]

An update on this, the aircraft has been located. The pilot was Barry Hempels of Hempels Aviation who have a training facility at Archerfield.

Crashed Yak Located

Also, in other local news up here, an aircraft crashed at Watts Bridge yesterday morning resulting in a further two fatalities. A truly most unfortunate weekend for aviation here in SE Qld.

Motor Glider crash at Watts Bridge



RIP lads.

[Radi K]

Very Sad, Barry was a top guy.

RIP.