Kakadu NT Plane Down

[Mike Scott]

A TERRITORY pilot has had a lucky escape after crashing his tourist aircraft into scrub in Kakadu National Park.

The experienced pilot was the only person on board the flight.

He suffered minor injuries and was treated at the Jabiru health clinic.

The Kakadu Air Gippsland GA-8 aircraft was forced to crash land near Cooinda about 3pm on Tuesday after its engine failed.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokesman Peter Gibson said the authority was notified of the crash and was investigating.

He said it was suspected that the engine failure could be related to faulty fuel systems.

The plane was badly damaged in the crash.

Kakadu Air is known for its scenic flights over the national park.

The airline's management refused to comment on the crash last night.

It was the second miraculous survival from a crash landing in the Top End in three days.

Five people walked away unscathed when their Barrier Air charter plane experienced engine failure at 2500 feet and crashed when trying to land on Whitewood Rd, Howard Springs, in Darwin's rural area, on Sunday afternoon.

The single-engine Cessna's fuselage was doubled over after it crashed into a pole and ended up with a powerline wrapped around its wing.

It is understood the plane was chartered for a scenic flight and had taken off from Cooinda in Kakadu National Park about 2.30pm.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is investigating both crashes.

Some pics here...no doubt Floody might know some history of the aircraft/operator etc
http://tools.ntnews.com.au//photos/p...ategory_id=185

MS