A Queensland Police jet carrying senior government officials has made a dramatic emergency landing after plummeting while in mid-air.
The Cessna plane was travelling from Brisbane to Townsville on Friday when it suddenly plunged towards the ground near Bundaberg.
Those onboard – including Police Minister Mark Ryan, Police Commissioner Ian Stewar and Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Martin – heard loud bangs and could smell smoke in the cabin.
The group which also included Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll and Maritime Safety Queensland Captain Patrick Quirk were travelling to meet Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for an Australia Day event.
A Queensland Police jet carrying senior government officials has made a dramatic emergency landing after plummeting while in mid-air
The group included Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll
The pilots were forced to return the aircraft to the Government Air Wing in Brisbane at a low altitude and speed for an emergency landing, a government spokesman said.
‘Commissioner Stewart immediately took charge, reassuring other passengers and directing them to follow emergency procedures as the pilots turned the plane around,’ he said.
‘The plane took off at 5.50am and was met under emergency landing at the Government Air Wing by several fire appliances and representatives of Brisbane Airport Corporation just after 7am.
‘An investigation will be conducted into the cause of the incident.’
They were on their way to meet Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk
Minister Ryan described the incident as a frightening experience.
‘But I knew the fantastic and highly experienced pilots of the Government Air Wing were in control,’ he said.
‘I’m grateful to them for their professionalism, skill, reassurance, and calmness,’ Minister Ryan said.
The Premier said she was relieved those onboard were safe.
‘That’s what is most important,’ Ms Palaszczuk said. ‘Queensland is a big state and air travel is part of doing our job.
‘There will be an investigation into what has happened.’
Queensland Police have been contacted for comment.
Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart was also on board the plane at the time