Australian investigators say a 32-year-old pilot was found dead in a remote crocodile-filled marshland after his small aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in Queensland.
The Beechcraft B200C went down near Normanton Airport on Feb. 6, just minutes after four passengers had already disembarked. The pilot was flying solo and planned to head from Normanton to Cairns before the aircraft suddenly plunged into the terrain and burst into flames, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
Rescue crews struggled to reach the wreckage due to dangerous weather and the swampy terrain. It wasn’t until early Feb. 8 that officers were finally able to access the scene on foot, where they discovered the pilot’s body in an area locals describe as heavily populated with crocodiles.
The aircraft was completely destroyed.
Machjet International, which had chartered the plane, confirmed the devastating news in a statement from managing director Simon McDermott, calling the deceased pilot a “much valued” member of the team and offering condolences to his family and colleagues.
Investigators are now piecing together what caused the crash. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau says its team will examine the wreckage, collect data, and interview witnesses before releasing a final report.
The Queensland Police are preparing a report for the medical examiner as the investigation continues.
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