Five people have been killed in a light plane crash in Far North Queensland in what police are calling a "tragedy". Acting Superintendent Chris Hodgman said it was clear from the wreckage, near the Lockhart River community, no passengers survived the accident. "It's about 4 kilometres from the community. We're advised that the plane made two attempts to land on the landing strip," he said. "On the third attempt, the plane has tragically crashed. "At this time we're trying to contact the next of kin to advise those people personally of the tragedy that's occurred "Nobody has survived that crash." Superintendent Hodgman said the five passengers were all from Cairns and worked for a government department. He said it was too early to determine the cause of the crash and the ATSB was investigating. "We know that the weather conditions up there are pretty rough at the moment but we are investigating on behalf of the state coroner," Superintendent Hodgman said. A rescue helicopter located the wreckage of the plane on Quintell Beach, east of the Lockhart River Airstrip in far north Queensland, about 1.20pm. this afternoon. The Bureau of Meteorology had warned of high winds and flooding rains due to a tropical low that is expected to develop into a cyclone over the Coral Sea at the weekend.
Two helicopters and a rescue jet from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, joined emergency services searching for the aircraft about 11.30am. AAP understands the aircraft belongs to Perth-based charter company Aerohire and the registration number is VH-OZO. The aircraft was enroute from Cairns Airport, QLD (CNS/YBCS) to Lockhart River Airport, QLD (IRG/YLHR). The Cessna departed Cairns Airport at 7.18am (AEST) and was due to land at 9.06am.
Aircraft Details:
Airline: Aerohire Pty Ltd
Aircraft: Cessna 404 Titan
Aircraft: Cessna 404 Titan
Registration: VH-OZO
Serial Number: 404-0653
Lockhart River Airport (also known as Iron Range Airport) is located approximately 800 km (500 miles) north of Cairns on the eastern coast of Cape York Peninsula. Being so remote with the road to Lockhart River being unpassable during the tropical wet season, the airport provides a vital transport hub for the community as well as being the only means of freighting in critical medical and other supplies during the summer months.
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Lockhart River Airport (also known as Iron Range Airport) is located approximately 800 km (500 miles) north of Cairns on the eastern coast of Cape York Peninsula. Being so remote with the road to Lockhart River being unpassable during the tropical wet season, the airport provides a vital transport hub for the community as well as being the only means of freighting in critical medical and other supplies during the summer months.
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
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