Whitsunday Air Services / Hamilton Island Air Cessna 208FP Caravan VH-WTY Down at Chance Bay Whitsundays

VH-WTY in happier times  (File photo taken by 'AC'  ©)

It's been widely reported that Whitsunday Air Services / Hamilton Island Air Cessna 208FP Caravan VH-WTY experienced difficulties and crashed while landing at Chance Bay on the Eastern side of Whitsunday Island near Hamilton Island on Thursday 28 January.

http://www.dailymercury.com.au/

VH-WTY - which is based at Hamilton Island - was operating what has been described as a "routine" flight with a pilot and 10 passengers on board. Queensland Police media reported that the approach to the Chance Bay was tricky with rough seas, and upon landing, the seaplane bounced before landing heavily, coming to a stop on the beach and colliding with vegetation. The aircraft was destroyed and is expected to be removed by helicopter some time in the next week.

http://www.dailymercury.com.au/

Six occupants were injured while five others were unhurt. A 24-year-old woman was flown out to Mackay Base Hospital by the Central Queensland Rescue Helicopter Service (CQ Rescue) Bell 412EP VH -CQJ ("Rescue 412").