Two men have died after a light plane crashed shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip on the Gold Coast. The incident occurred at Heck Field in Woongoolba, near Jacobs Well, just before 6am on Tuesday.
Police have identified the pilot as a 73-year-old man from Beenleigh and his passenger, believed to be from Sydney. Both were the only occupants of the aircraft and died at the scene. The plane had logged a flight plan to a small town outside Tamworth, but the purpose of the trip remains unknown.
Gold Coast Police District Superintendent Brett Jackson described the crash as significant, stating that both occupants were unable to survive. He confirmed that investigators will examine the pilot's flight history and experience as part of the probe. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is leading the investigation, with teams from Brisbane and Canberra expected to arrive at the site on Tuesday afternoon.
The crash sparked a large grassfire that spread to nearby sugarcane fields and coastal vegetation. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services reported that about 50 firefighters and 18 appliances are working to contain the blaze, which is producing heavy smoke. Residents near Jacobs Well have been advised to stay indoors and close windows due to the smoke.
The ATSB will collect witness statements, flight tracking data, CCTV footage, pilot and maintenance records, and weather information. A preliminary report detailing factual information is expected in about eight weeks. Access to the crash site has been challenging due to surrounding farmland and waterways.
