August 17, 2007 12:20pm
www.couriermail.com.au
RESCUERS are stepping up an air-sea rescue operation for a light plane and its pilot missing in far north Queensland since yesterday.
The male pilot was due to land his single engine fixed-wing turbo prop in Tully at 4pm (AEST) yesterday, one hour after taking off from Ingham, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said today.
AMSA spokeswoman Tracey Jiggins said the pilot had taken off in bad weather.
"Due to inclement weather and heavy cloud cover, it is anticipated that the pilot would have either tracked between Halifax on the eastern side of Hinchinbrook Island or via the Cardwell Channel following the road to reach Tully," she said.
Three helicopters are searching between Ingham and Tully while police carry out ground searches.
Two boats are also combing Hinchinbrook Island for any signs of the plane.
Another three fixed-wing aircraft are expected to join the search later today.
The aircraft is described as an eight-seater Fletcher, white in colour with two blue horizontal stripes along the fuselage.
Anyone with information should contact AMSA's rescue coordination centre on 1800 815 257.