Sunday Territorian

Search for plane missing in Tasmania wilderness

-

A SEARCH is underway in remote southwest Tasmania for a missing twin-engine plane and its solo pilot.

The Airlines of Tasmania aircraft went missing near the rugged Arthur Ranges about 8.30am yesterday.

It was on a routine flight to pick up passengers from Melaleuca.

“We do have grave concerns for this pilot, who has been with the company for three years and is very experience­d and well qualified,” Air- lines of Tasmania managing director Shannon Wells said.

Two helicopter­s and a plane are reportedly searching for the plane.

Mr Wells said the aircraft was fitted with a satellite tracker, giving the search party a reasonable idea of where it may be.

He said the condition of the pilot was unknown.

“Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the pilot, including all colleagues,” Mr Wells said.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia