An AMSA challenger aircraft.

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A search resumed this morning for a light plane that is believed to have gone missing over Bass Strait.

The plane, which had two people and a dog on board, took off from George Town Airport in Tasmania on Saturday, but did not arrive at its destination at Hillston Airport, west of Condoblin in central western New South Wales.
It was also supposed to have a scheduled stopover in Leongatha in Victoria’s Gippsland region.

It is believed a man in his 70s and a woman in her 60s were on board the flight.

“Concern arose just after 5pm on Saturday evening when the aircraft did not successfully land in Central Western NSW, following its departure from George Town, Tasmania around 12.45 pm,” the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) reported.

An AMSA spokesperson said the pilot had made no contact with authorities.

The search took place yesterday until last light, before resuming this morning.

An AMSA challenger aircraft.
AMSA currently has one of its planes – a Challenger aircraft – involved in the search effort.(Australian Maritime Safety Authority)

Search efforts are underway in parts of Tasmania and Victoria, with an AMSA aircraft and a police helicopter from Tasmania focusing today on the Bass Strait and northern Tasmania areas.

“Anyone with information is urged to contact the AMSA Response Centre on 02 6279 5700,” a Tasmania Police statement said.

“AMSA and Tasmania Police strongly encourage anyone in the George Town area or those traveling through the waters in northern Tasmania and the Bass Strait to stay vigilant for any indications of a light aircraft or its passengers, and if safely possible, provide assistance.”