Gippsland among search zones for two-seater plane that never reached its destination
A man in his 70s and a woman in her 60s are the only two passengers.
Jacob Wallace
August 04, 2025
A search is underway across regional Victoria, Tasmania and Bass Strait after a light plane with two people on board failed to arrive at its destination at Hillston Airport in NSW.
Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark said the occupants are an experienced male pilot in his 70s and the pilot's partner, a woman in her 60s.
The bright green two-seater plane departed from Tasmania’s George Town airport early on Saturday afternoon, and alarms were raised by family members in NSW when the plane didn’t arrive.
“At this stage there are significant air resources being used and a significant number of boats on the water searching for the missing plane, as well as beach and land searchers,” said Clark.
The Australia Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is orchestrating the search with assistance from Tasmania Police and Victoria Police.
AMSA urges anyone near George Town or transiting the waters in northern Tasmania and Bass Strait, or southern Victoria near Leongatha, to keep a lookout for any signs of the aircraft or its occupants, and if safe to do so, render assistance.
Anyone who spots any plane debris or has information is urged to contact the AMSA Response Centre on 02 6279 5700, Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Victoria Police on 131 444.
