Mystery as plane vanishes above ocean between Australia and Tasmania - as desperate search continues for pilot and female passenger
The light plane was carrying the pilot, a man in his 70s, and a female passenger, in her 60s, as it headed for Hillston airport, Condolobin, NSW, via Leongatha, Victoria.
The pair are both Tasmanian residents and had been travelling in the two-seat aircraft to visit friends.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said it was coordinating a search for the couple near Tasmania.
'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 12.45pm,' a spokesman said.
The plane had not made radio contact nor emitted a mayday alert before it vanished.
Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark said the pilot was very experienced.
'But he was flying a plane that was relatively new to him,' he said on Sunday.
'The current owner and pilot of the plane had only purchase the plane three or four months ago.'
'We believe he has had several flights prior to this incident.'
He said it authorities would re-evaluate the search on Sunday evening.
'Any body of water is difficult to search, the main thing is though, that this is still a search operation,' he said.
'We are hoping to find these people alive, that's the main focus of the search.'
AMSA, Victorian and Tasmanian police have focussed their search over the Bass Strait and southern Victoria.
Inspector Clark has asked for the public to assist with the search by looking out for signs of the missing aircraft.
'Keep a lookout for any debris or something as simple as a life jacket or some airplane parts to contact AMSA or Tasmania Police,' he said.
'We stress that if you find some people in the water and it's safe to do so, please render them assistance.'
The daily ferry between Tasmania and the mainland was diverted to the last known location of the plane on Saturday but crews saw no sign of the plane.
Local authorities were alerted to the missing plane by concerned loved ones.
'The plane did not reach its destination as scheduled and authorities were notified by concerned family members that it was overdue,' a Tasmania Police spokeswoman said earlier.
'As a result, a search operation involving plane, helicopter and marine resources was activated.'
Anyone with information has been urged to contact the AMSA Response Centre on 02 6279 5700 or Tasmania Police.
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