Female pilot, 21, in 'textbook ditching'
A 21-year-old female pilot on her first day on the job has performed a "textbook ditching" to save the lives of her four passengers in the sea off Mackay.
All five on board survived when the Cherokee Piper 6 crashed into the sea 200m off Squeaky Beach on Carlisle Island just after 2pm today.
Australasian Jet general manager Paul Sawyer said the aircraft had been only a few minutes into its flight from Brampton Island to Mackay when pilot Kate English, in her first "official" day on the job, experienced engine trouble.
"The pilot suffered engine problems and turned back towards the point of departure, but on the way back the engine completely stopped," he said.
Mr Sawyer said Ms English carried out a "textbook ditching".
"It was textbook as you'll ever come across. We're very proud of the pilot," he said.
"We invest a lot of time, money and effort into the training of our staff and consquently the pilot has assisted all of the passengers out of the aircraft and everyone is there to tell the story."
Mr Sawyer said Ms English, who has worked with the company for a few months, had also worked as a flight instructor.
He said she instructed the four passengers, believed to be two couples leaving the island after a holiday, to don lifejackets and swim away from the plane when they landed in the water.
"She made the comment the passengers were actually laughing in the water, while bobbing in jackets," Mr Sawyer said.
"It was only about 18 minutes from the emergency call she made to the time rescue helicopter found them."
Mr Sawyer had nothing but praise for the young pilot.
"She is very good, a more than capable pilot," he said.
"She has worked in the region for many years and is well respected throughout the Mackay region as a pilot."
Mr Sawyer said it was unfortunate the ditching happened – "it can happen, but the best outcome has occurred".
"There's only a little bit of lost luggage."
All the plane's occupants were taken back to the island for observation by the RACQ CQ Rescue helicopter.
It was understood none of the group suffered serious injuries. They were to be flown to Mackay Base Hospital.
"They all appear to be fine," a helicopter rescue spokeswoman said.
Good effort for a girlie!!! LOL Love the way they just have to mention the "female pilot". What bl**dy difference does it make FFS
Di
VH-ZMP