Successful response to aircraft in distress at Emerald Airport

Central Highlands Mayor Janice Moriarty has praised council’s airport team and emergency services for their swift and effective response to a forced plane landing at Emerald Airport last Thursday.

The incident involved a 12-seat Cessna F406 undertaking survey work, which reported smoke and fumes in the cabin approximately 10 minutes from Emerald Airport, with three crew members on board.

The aircraft landed safely without incident, thanks to the coordinated efforts of Emerald Airport staff and local emergency services personnel, including fire, ambulance, and police, who were promptly dispatched to the scene.

Mayor Janice Moriarty said the incident emphasised the importance of council’s joint Airport Emergency Plan.

‘The crew followed protocol and advised Brisbane Air Traffic Control, who in turn alerted our Emerald Airport team, leading to a precautionary emergency services response,’ Mayor Moriarty said.

‘Our airport and local emergency services have a joint Airport Emergency Plan to manage all potential incidents, and this plan once again proved invaluable, resulting in an efficient and professional response by all.’

Mayor Moriarty extended gratitude on behalf of council to all parties involved in managing the incident successfully.

Upon landing, the aircraft safely taxied to a secure location at the airport, and the three crew members were transported by ambulance to Emerald Hospital for further observation.

Investigations into the cause of the incident are ongoing, with reports being submitted to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau for further analysis.