Townsville Airlines Cessna 402C VH-UCM Calls into Rockhampton Airport to Rescue Company Beech 1900D VH-RUE

Pretty much the only noteworthy movement around Central Queensland on Sunday 12 April was the visit to Rockhampton Airport by Townsville Airlines (Flightech Air Logistics) Cessna 402C Utiliner/Businessliner VH-UCM.

It was photographed above parked on the General Aviation (GA) Apron after it earlier looked to arrive into Rocky direct from Cairns.

It appears that VH-UCM came to Rockhampton Airport to provide support and get the stranded fellow Townsville Airlines Beech 1900D VH-RUE - also photographed on Sunday 12 April - back to Cairns after its eventful arrival into Rocky during the previous week.

As posted below, on Thursday 9 April, VH-RUE reportedly advised Air Traffic Control (ATC) that after departing Brisbane that they had landing gear problems, but elected to continue to Rocky.  Once on the ground at Rockhampton Airport, damage to the front wheel was observed and aircraft towed to a parking position near the Royal Flying Doctor Sevice (RDFS) hangar.

With servicing complete, both VH-UCM and VH-RUE were later noted departing Rockhampton Airport and returning to Cairns.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Don W for capturing these great photos while out on his morning walk!

All photos taken by Don Williams  ©️