Search for missing gyrocopter in Qld

Helicopters have been searching for a missing gyrocopter and its pilot in central Queensland for more than 24 hours.

A 78-year-old pilot and his gyrocopter still haven't been found more than 24 hours after he failed to arrive at his central Queensland destination.

The aircraft left the Booyan Airstrip north of Bundaberg around 1.45pm on Wednesday and was due to arrive at a Farnborough property near Yeppoon that afternoon.

The gyrocopter was reported missing to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority on Wednesday night.

"The journey was expected to take about two hours and the pilot was familiar with the route," AMSA said.

It's likely the gyrocopter would have been flying at a low altitude.

AMSA on Thursday deployed nine helicopters and a challenger jet to search the area.

Search operations were suspended at sunset on Thursday and will resume at first light on Friday.

Ten helicopters and a Challenger jet will on Friday search the area from Bundaberg to Yeppoon, focusing on an area south of Baffle Creek after an unconfirmed sighting was reported to AMSA by a member of the public on Thursday.

Queensland Police will conduct a ground search of the area south of Baffle Creek on Friday.

AMSA is urging anyone who may have seen or heard the gyrocopter between 1pm and 6pm on Wednesday, between Bundaberg and Yeppoon, to contact 1800 815 257.


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Source: AAP



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