Abrolhos plane crash: Light aircraft to remain in water for Easter weekend after overshooting runway

A light plane that crashed into the water after overshooting the runway on the Abrolhos Islands is expected to remain there for the rest of the weekend. The aircraft with seven people aboard was landing on Big Rat Island, about 60km off the Geraldton coast, around 8.40am on Thursday when it careered off the runway and crashed nose-first into the water. The plane’s tail was left resting on the land after the crash, in which no one was hurt. A police spokesman confirmed the aircraft was a Gipps Airvan GA8, which overran the runway at the south end of Rat Island. “The plane ended up partially submerged with the engine in water,” he said. “A pilot and six passengers were onboard at the time. “No one was injured.” The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will investigate the crash. People are working to remove the plane, which belongs to Shine Aviation, from the runway and water. Shine Aviation owner and managing director John Gooch said the sole focus had been on making sure the passengers and crew were all OK. On Friday afternoon, Mr Gooch received confirmation that all of those aboard the plane were doing well. “We will assess the situation this afternoon and hopefully recover the plane next week,” he said. “There are not many engineers or a recovery team to remove the plane over the Easter weekend. “It’s a technical removal process because of where it’s situated.” Mr Gooch said the plane hadn’t disrupted any other scheduled Shine Aviation flights. He said the company would conduct an internal investigation in conjunction with the ATSB. ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said the investigation into the “runway excursion” had started. “ATSB investigators will collect and examine relevant evidence, including interviewing the pilot, analysing relevant weather data, photographs, aircraft operator procedures and maintenance records,” he said. The ATSB will publish a final report at the end of its investigation, which will feature contributing factors and any identified safety issues. However, should any critical safety issues be identified during the investigation the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so appropriate action can be taken. The investigation is expected to take six to nine months but is subject to change. Several local and Statewide aviation companies run charter flights to the island, which is a popular tourist destination. The Easter school holiday period is one of the busiest times for the favoured day-trip destination.