The bodies of a recently married Queensland couple have been found in the wreckage of a plane that went missing in central Queensland.
A rescue helicopter crew spotted the crash site in the Clarke Ranges west of Proserpine early into their searching second day of searching on Monday.
“At 10.15am (AEST) this morning, a crash site was located in the Clarke Ranges west of Proserpine by QG Air Rescue helicopter based in Townsville,” an Australian Maritime Safety Authority spokesperson said.
“An aircraft located at the crash site is confirmed to be the light aircraft that was reported missing after leaving Natal Downs Station in Queensland yesterday afternoon.
“Queensland Police are co-ordinating with next of kin.”
Stockman Rhiley Kuhrt, 22, and his 24-year-old pregnant wife Maree were aboard the Piper Cherokee when it crashed. According to Ms Kuhrt’s social media, the couple were married only last October.
“A male and female have been located deceased following a light plane crash in Clarke Ranges,” a Queensland Police statement read.
“Police and emergency services located the aircraft shortly after 11am, believed to be the aircraft which was due to land at Lakeside yesterday.”
Mackay police inspector Andrew Godbold said Mr Kurht was a “fairly experienced” pilot who had flown the route several times before.
He said the crash scene was difficult to access and retrieving the couple’s bodies would take days.
“It’s very rugged terrain, there’s a lot of mountain terrain there,” Inspector Godbold said.
“It’s very difficult for us to walk in at the moment.”
Police confirmed Mr Kurht’s father is a Queensland Police officer.
“It’s tragic for the family to go through these, and especially a police family as well,” Inspector Godbold said.
The Courier-Mail reported that Mr Kuhrt was head stockman and pilot at Nerrigundah station, about 1000 kilometres west of Brisbane.
The couple’s plane departed the Natal Downs cattle station, south of Charters Towers on Sunday afternoon.
RACQ CQ said concerned family members raised the alarm it failed to arrive at Lakeside Airpark, Proserpine by 6.30pm.
– with AAP
