Seven people — including a number of children — have been involved in a plane crash at the Abrolhos Islands off the West Australian Coast.
Key points:
- A light plane overshoots the runway on an airstrip on Rat Island and lands in the water
- Seven people onboard escape serious injury
- The ATSB is investigating the crash
Six passengers and a pilot were on the eight-seater Gibbs Airvan GA8 aircraft when it overran the runway at the south end of Rat Island at 8.40am on Thursday.
None of the group was injured, with WA Police confirming all of the plane’s occupants were taken to a local nursing post for assessment.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said initial reports indicated the aircraft “landed long”, exited the runway and entered the water.
“ATSB investigators will collect and examine relevant evidence, including interviewing the pilot, analysing relevant weather data, photographs, aircraft operator procedures and maintenance records,” a spokesperson for the air safety watchdog said.
Shine Aviation owner John Gooch confirmed his company was involved in the crash.
He said investigations into the cause of the accident were ongoing, and the wellbeing of passengers and crew the priority.
The ATSB will publish a final report once its investigation is concluded, and will immediately notify the relevant parties if any critical safety issues are identified during the process.
