A search continues for a missing light plane in North Queensland
A search is underway for a light plane with two people on board after failing to arrive at its destination in Bloomsbury, North of Mackay.
The plane is said to have taken off with two people on board from Natal Downs Station near Charles Towers at around 2pm on Sunday.
The aircraft is said to be a white and green Piper Cherokee; a light plane designed for flight training, air taxi, and personal use.
CQ Rescue searched the area several times last night but could not find the plane.
Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster, Ricus Lombard, said that poor weather and wet conditions had interfered with the search.
“It’s easing … (but the) potential with showers and storms. There is a fair bit of cloud as well,” Mr Lombard said.
“There’s a weak trough just to the north so there is some shower and storm in the area.”
RACQ CQ announced on social media that the search would continue today.
“CQRescue searched the area last night after the aircraft, with a man and a woman on board, didn’t arrive at Lakeside Airfield,” the social media post read.
“Concerned family members reported the plane missing and an aerial search by the Mackay and Townsville helicopters last night failed to find any sign of the aircraft.”
A specialist aircraft from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) left Cairns this morning and arrived in the Whitsundays.
A spokesperson said the search would focus on an area west of Proserpine.
Queensland Police Service has said its officers are on stand-by while AMSA and CQ Rescue continues the search.
