Mystery as plane VANISHES mid-air above ocean as major search underway near Tasmania
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A SMALL plane carrying the pilot and one passenger has shockingly vanished while flying to Australia.
The two-seater aircraft reportedly made no radio contacts or issued a Mayday call before disappearing into thin air after taking off from Tasmania.
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A Tasmania Police boat involved in the search operation
Credit: ABC News: Mackenzie Heard
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An Australian Maritime Safety Authority search aircraft reportedly deployed to search for the plane
Credit: Australian Maritime Safety Authority
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Rescue workers are searching the area near the flight's path
Credit: Australian Maritime Safety Authority
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said it was coordinating a search for the plane that disappeared while crossing the Bass Strait.
It was carrying the pilot, said to be in his 70s, and a female passenger in her 60s.
The pair, described as a couple, are said to be both Tasmanian residents and were travelling to visit friends - and were headed to Hillston Airport in Condobolin, New South Wales.
A desperate search was launched after both passengers failed to reach their destination.
Authorities in Tasmania said: "The plane did not reach its destination as scheduled and authorities were notified by concerned family members that it was overdue.
"As a result, a search operation involving plane, helicopter and marine resources was activated."
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said it was "currently coordinating the search for a missing light aircraft with two people onboard, near Tasmania".
It said: "Just after 5pm on Saturday evening, concern was raised after the aircraft failed to land in Central Western NSW, after departing George Town, Tasmania at around 12:45 pm."
AMSA said search efforts were underway "across northern Tasmania around George Town, over the Bass Strait and southern Victoria around Morwell and Leongatha, supported by vessels from Victoria Police".
Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark said the pilot was very experienced but was flying a plane "relatively new to him", the Daily Mail reports.
He added: "We are hoping to find these people alive, that's the main focus of the search."
He urged the public to look out for aircraft debris and help the authorities.
The cop added: "Keep a lookout for any debris or something as simple as a life jacket or some airplane parts to contact AMSA or Tasmania Police.
"We stress that if you find some people in the water and it's safe to do so, please render them assistance."
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