Tiger Moth Crashes into ocean off Sth.Stradbrook Island. Qld.

[planedriver]

Two people are feared dead after a Tiger Moth plane crashed into the sea off Queensland's South Stradbroke Island. The crash has left a trail of debris and fuel in the water and at least four choppers are searching for any signs of survivors.

 

The plane crashed into the water about 300 metres off the island, at about 12.30pm (AEST) on Monday.

 

The two-seater plane is owned by Gold Coast-based operator Tiger Moth Joy Rides, which offers scenic flights and aerobatic flights including barrel rolls, loop the loops and other manoeuvres.

 

Spokesman Jeff Stillman told AAP that the company was still trying to work what had happened.

 

"We're not real good mate, look we don't have the information as yet, we don't really now what's going on," he told AAP.

 

"We're all very worried about all the occupants of the plane."

 

Water police are also heading to the scene to assist the air search.

 

Not looking good at this stage, but hope they managed to survive the ordeal.

 

 

[DrZoos]

Thats sickening. hoping the best for all involved.

 

 

[winsor68]

That's truly tragic.

 

Such an icon of the Gold Coast.

 

 

[dlegg]

That's truly tragic.Such an icon of the Gold Coast.

Now why would someone think that this is funny???

 

 

[Guest Maj Millard]

Yes I was wondering the same...............

 

 

[Old Koreelah]

Pretty easy to inadvertently hit the wrong icon.

 

 

[Guest Maj Millard]

Well I am hoping that was the case................

 

 

[fly_tornado]

that's what's left of it

 

 

 

[shafs64]

Was that the red one with the silver nose?

 

 

[Bandit12]

Used to love watching the Tigers over the Gold Coast. Now love watching them over Williamstown. Fingers crossed for a good outcome.

 

 

[astroman]

Was that the red one with the silver nose?

Silver with a red nose. RIP

 

 

[planedriver]

Thats so sad!

 

 

[Cosmick]

The worst news

 

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-17/search-resumes-for-two-people-in-crashed-biplane/5160608

 

 

[M61A1]

I don't understand our media's inconsistencies. An aircraft executes a perfect landing after an engine failure, and it has "crashed". This one "ditches", and is in small fragments, even after they were told it hit the water at high speed, which a tiger would certainly not be if it were "ditching" . A small thing, I know, but hearing that it ditched, gives hope of survival.

 

 

[facthunter]

Reporters are not knowledgeable about aviation terminology. I think the print media are under stress these days.

 

. Need a few good eyewitness reports to understand what happened with things like this otherwise you have little to go on. Always sad when an occasion that should be a fun event goes bad. I always regarded the DH 82 as a very safe plane with plenty of strength to do this sort of thing.. Nev

 

 

[rankamateur]

A lot of old blokes were strong when they were younger too Nev.

 

 

[David Isaac]

LOL, Yeah. Well I might not be as strong, but there is no match for old age and treachery . Properly maintained an old DH 82 is probably as strong or even stronger than the original frame. Hit the water at speed and the strength is of little relevance.

 

Bloody sad to lose folks in that manner.

 

 

[rankamateur]

It's a sad old world, made even sadder when the pretty pictures of the happy french passenger start hitting the TV.

 

 

[Guest ozzie]

A very good chance they will find out just went wrong as they have located a GoPro camera.

 

 

[facthunter]

Then you have your witness. Amazing how often this available technology fills in the gaps. I hope they do find the cause. At least something is attained out of a sad occurrence. Nev

 

 

[Guest ozzie]

Especially if it was structural failure that could lead to the prevention of similar in other Tiger Moths.

 

 

[facthunter]

There was another one they blamed on the pilot where there was a control (rudder) failure. You may recall. I'm not suggesting any commonality, but I don't like the pilots copping it when they are not around to defend themselves Nev

 

 

[Guest ozzie]

I was wondering about the main spar problem from some years ago. Sounds like this one was worked reasonably hard.

 

 

[facthunter]

There is no reason to put a lot of "G" on them, but any worked aeroplane needs checking. Think some people pull the bolts into the wood. Nev

 

 

[Guest Maj Millard]

Did a full-on aero ride one afternoon with Tigermoth Pete at Shute Harbor . Must admit I was quite impressed with what the old Tiger could do in the right hands. Did give me a lot of respect at the time for the aircraft and its structure...........Maj....