CHOPPER CREW LOCATES PLANE CRASH SITE IN PIONEER VALLEY

October 29, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHOPPER CREW LOCATES PLANE CRASH SITE IN PIONEER VALLEY

RACQ CQ Rescue assisted Queensland Police with a search for a missing light aircraft near Finch Hatton yesterday.

The Mackay-based helicopter crew were tasked about 10.15am after a small aircraft with two people on board, believed to be travelling from Townsville, failed to arrive at its destination at Palmyra. The aircraft was last seen on flight radar about 70km west of Mackay.

The chopper crew were provided with these radar co-ordinates by the tasking agency and flew direct to the mountain location about 5km north of Netherdale.

The crew on board, including pilot, aircrewman, Critical Care Paramedic and doctor, immediately spotted small plumes of smoke rising from a small burnt out clearing on the northern side of the mountain.

As the helicopter flew overhead at about 200 foot, the crew spotted wreckage and a smouldering site of about 100 metres below. The helicopter made multiples passes over the mountainous terrain before being requested to land on a property nearby to meet with Queensland Police.

A police officer was then flown over the crash site before the helicopter was stood down and returned to base about 1pm.

The crash location was described as inaccessible and in very difficult, mountainous terrain with a thick forest canopy overhead.

RACQ CQ Rescue landed on a private property after locating the crash site about 5km north of Netherdale.

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Please credit any released photos and video footage to RACQ CQ Rescue.
Please note: Full title of rescue service is RACQ CQ Rescue.

For further information please contact:
Naomi Noy
RACQ CQ Rescue
Ph: 0417 578 182