Tragic Seaplane and Light Plane Crashes Near Rottnest Island and Nambucca Heads Under Investigation
Australia is grappling with the aftermath of two fatal aviation accidents: a seaplane crash off Rottnest Island in Western Australia and a light plane crash near Nambucca Heads in New South Wales. Both incidents have prompted urgent investigations to determine their causes.
Rottnest Island Seaplane Crash
On January 7, a Cessna 208 seaplane carrying seven people, including the pilot, crashed into the waters near Rottnest Island shortly after takeoff. The plane struck Phillip Rock near Thomson Bay at approximately 4:00 PM local time. Witnesses reported that the aircraft struggled to gain altitude before tipping and plunging into the ocean.
Four passengers were rescued from the wreckage, with three suffering serious injuries. Two women in their 40s were airlifted to Fiona Stanley Hospital, where they remain in stable condition. Tragically, three passengers are still missing. Search efforts were suspended overnight due to poor weather but resumed on January 8.
The seaplane, operated by Swan River Seaplanes, had been in service for just one week after being acquired from an east coast operator. Flight data indicated the aircraft reached 117 km/h before the crash, with witnesses noting that the left wing struck the water.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch praised the heroic efforts of emergency responders and civilians who assisted in the rescue. Premier Roger Cook expressed condolences to the victims’ families and gratitude to the rescue teams.
Nambucca Heads Light Plane Crash
In a separate incident on January 5, a light plane crashed into the ocean off Nambucca Heads, resulting in the deaths of two people. The aircraft, which departed from a private airfield near Coffs Harbour, went down around 4:00 PM. The bodies of a 67-year-old and a 69-year-old were recovered, though formal identification is still pending.
Witnesses reported hearing the plane struggle to climb before it crashed. Strong tides and currents complicated recovery efforts, as debris washed ashore in the aftermath. NSW Police and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) are investigating the incident.
Ongoing Investigations
Both crashes are under investigation by the ATSB. Authorities are examining potential factors, including mechanical failures, pilot error, and environmental conditions. These incidents have renewed concerns about aviation safety in Australia, especially following other recent fatal accidents in Western Australia.
As communities mourn the victims and hold out hope for the missing, the investigations aim to uncover the causes of these tragedies and prevent similar incidents in the future.