Investigation Launched into Crash of Cessna 172 VH-WTQ on Middle Island off Agnes Water

As is being widely reported, on Tuesday 10 January, locally operated Cessna 172 VH-WTQ was involved in a fatal accident on a remote beach on Middle Island near Agnes Water.  The aircraft is operated by Wyndham Aviation and was operating a tourist flight for local company 1770 Castaway Fly-in Adventures.  There were four people on board including the well-known local pilot.

Picture:  Bundaberg RACQ LifeFlight

Picture:  Bundaberg RACQ LifeFlight

Picture:  Bundaberg RACQ LifeFlight

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into the accident in which the aircraft collided with terrain and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage. One person was fatally injured and three others sustained serious injuries.

Cessna 172 VH-JER also of 1770 Castaway Fly-in Adventures was flying behind the downed aircraft also on a tourist flight.  Those on board saw the first aircraft go down and soon after, VH-JER landed not too far from the crash site and those on board rushed to the crash site to try and help the victims, with some performing CPR until authorities arrived.

Simon Coates / https://www.flickr.com/

Simon Coates / https://www.flickr.com/

Sadly, a young female tourist, died at the scene.

The RACQ Lifeflight / Sunshine Coast Helicopter Rescue Service (SCHRS) BK117 B-2 VH-EHQ "Rescue 522" and Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service (CHRS) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412EP VH-EPR "Rescue 300" transported the injured to Bundaberg and Rockhampton Hospitals respectively.

Picture:  Bundaberg RACQ LifeFlight

The Queensland Police Service (Airwing) Cessna 208 Caravan VH-PSQ was also involved.  It was flying from Brisbane to Rockhampton to complete airwork but diverted to the crash zone and provided aerial support in the early stages of the emergency.

Both Cessna 172s are operated by local tourist company 1770 Castaway Fly-in Adventures, which specialises in fly-in camping trips to the Middle Island.

http://www.1770castaway.com.au/

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families that have been affected by today's accident and we wish those injured a speedy recovery.