Reports: Cessna 404 crashes in far north Queensland

A Cessna 404 has crashed near the Lockhart River in far north Queensland, according to multiple reports.

The Lockhart River mayor Wayne Butcher told The Australian on Wednesday afternoon that he believed six people, including government workers, were on board and that there were no survivors.

Police have said the wreckage of the plane was found just after 1pm on Quintell beach, around 800 kilometres north of Cairns on the Cape York Peninsula. The Cessna 404 was first reported missing at 11:30am and was reportedly last heard from at 9:30am.

The ABC has reported the plane attempted to land twice at nearby Lockhart River Airport.

The police said in a statement, “AMSA tasked two rescue helicopters from Cairns and Horn Island and AMSA’s Challenger Search and Rescue jet from Cairns to the location.”

Multiple news outlets are reporting heavy rain and poor visibility in the area on the morning of 11 March.

More to follow.