Weather Possible Factor In Fletcher Disappearance

The air-sea rescue operation for a missing Queensland, Australia, pilot who took off in bad weather Thursday has increased in intensity.

The pilot took off from Ingham and was due to land an hour later in Tully in far north Queensland, according to the Australian Associated Press. He was reportedly flying an eight-seat aircraft, believed to be a Fletcher FU-24 (type shown above), which had been converted to a turboprop.

Police officers are said to be conducting a ground search while three helicopters are conducting aerial searches to be joined Friday by three fixed-wing aircraft. Two boats are searching Hinchinbrook Island as well.

Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) spokesperson Tracey Jiggins said the pilot took off in bad weather.

"Due to inclement weather and heavy cloud cover, it is anticipated that the pilot would have either tracked between Halifax on the eastern side of Hinchinbrook Island or via the Cardwell Channel following the road to reach Tully,' she said.

FMI: www.amsa.gov.au