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Emergency crews spent hours travelling to the remote location this afternoon in the McKinlay area on the outskirts of Cloncurry after a local called police at 2.30pm (3.30pm AEST).
Police said the Rescue 400 helicopter found the wreckage at 4pm (5pm AEST) “in difficult terrain” while ground crews made their way to the site.
“Three people on board were located and confirmed deceased,” a Queensland Police spokesperson said in a statement.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) offered its “deepest condolences” to the families.
“Our hearts are heavy following the fatal plane crash this afternoon in north west Queensland and the tragic loss of three people supporting our bushfire response,” QFES said.
“During natural disasters in Queensland, we respond as a family. That family includes those contracted to support our aerial operations.
“Side by side we have been fighting these bushfires as one and their loss is felt by all.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends and those who worked alongside them, including our Air Operations personnel.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said in a statement the state was in shock.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear the news that an aerial firefighting crew have lost their lives after their plane went down north-west of McKinlay,” she said.
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“The crew onboard this aircraft have been doing everything they could to keep Queenslanders safe.
“I send my heartfelt condolences to the many people who have been impacted by this shocking incident.”
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will launch its own investigation into the crash.
“A team of transport safety investigators from the ATSB’s Brisbane office with experience in aircraft operations and maintenance are preparing to deploy to the accident site,” a spokesperson said on Saturday night.
“Over the coming days, investigators will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities on site including site mapping, wreckage examination, and recovery of any aircraft components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra.
“Investigators will also seek to interview any witnesses and involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information including flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information.
“The ATSB anticipates publishing a preliminary report, which will detail factual information established during the investigation’s initial evidence collection phase, in approximately six to eight weeks.
“The ATSB will publish a final report, detailing contributing factors and any identified safety issues, at the conclusion of the investigation.
“However, should any critical safety issues be identified at any stage during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate safety action can be taken.”
The Forensic Crash Unit will investigate the crash of behalf of the coroner.
