http://www.thewest.com.au/default.as...ontentID=58441
Two feared dead in plane crash
14th February 2008, 7:00 WST
Emergency workers have begun a difficult search to find a helicopter and light plane that reportedly crashed in the Kennedy Ranges last night.
Four people who were in a helicopter and light plane that crashed midair in the Kennedy Ranges about 900km north of Perth last night are believed to have been working for the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Two people in the light plane are feared dead while two others in a helicopter are thought to have walked away with minor injuries.
Rescue teams are expected to arrive at the scene of the crash about 170km east of Carnarvon sometime after 7.30am this morning. The helicopter was able to land safely but there are grave fears for two people who were aboard the light aircraft, which was thought to have been unable to land safely.
Carnarvon police received a call at 7.50pm last night that the two aircraft had crashed. The call cut out before any more details could be relayed.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority spokeswoman Tracey Jiggins said this morning that both aircraft were believed to have been working in the area for the Department of Agriculture and Food.
“My understanding is they were working together,” Ms Jiggins said.
An air ambulance was on its way to the site after an emergency beacon signal was picked up about 10pm last night by the authority’s dedicated Dornier search and rescue aircraft.
“As soon as we got that detection we were able to home in and pinpoint the location of where they are,” Ms Jiggins said.
The helicopter pilot was able to use a satellite phone to contact his home base after the crash. The pilot said that he had been able to land but he and his passenger had suffered minor injuries.
“He also indicated that it looks like the fixed wing aircraft had been unable to land safely so we have grave concerns for the safety of the people on board that aircraft,” she said.
Emergency workers have a difficult mission ahead of them getting into the area which has no vehicle access.
Ms Jiggins said the area was inhospitable, isolated and mainly rugged terrain.
A WA police spokeswoman said they would know more about the crash once rescue crews arrived at the scene this morning.
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