Massive area searched for missing gyrocopter pilot
There are “serious concerns” for a gyrocopter pilot missing overnight in central Queensland, as authorities scour a massive search area for the missing man.
Night-vision helicopters searched through the night between Yeppoon and Bundaberg, two towns more than 250 kilometres apart on the Queensland coast.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has issued an appeal for information, asking anyone who may have seen or heard a gyrocopter between the two population centres from 1pm to 6pm on Wednesday to come forward.
AMSA spokesman Sam Cardwell said the aircraft took flight about 1.45pm from an airfield just north of Bundaberg and should have landed at a private property just north of Yeppoon about two hours later.
The craft never arrived but AMSA was not notified until late last night, sparking the search.
“He’s been missing for quite some time with no contact so (we have) serious concerns,” he said.
Mr Cardwell said the gyrocopter was likely flying low over the coast over towns including Seventeen Seventy, Gladstone, Agnes Water, Tannum Sands and Emu Park.
The AMSA Challenger 604 search and rescue jet is expected to join the search on Thursday, along with several other aircraft.
Anyone with information should call the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre on 1800 815 257.