The pilot of a missing plane had been raising funds for charity before his craft carrying five passengers vanished in south-eastern Queensland, Australia. Des Porter, 68, was giving scenic flights in his prized red 1930s biplane at an airshow Sunday morning, the organiser of the Monto Fly-In said.
The 1930s de Havilland DH.84 left Monto, 180 kilometres west of Bundaberg, shortly after 11 a.m. It is believed the passengers were two elderly couples and Porter’s partner. The plane was due to arrive at Caboolture Airport, north of Brisbane, about 2:15 p.m. Sunday, but never arrived.
A distress call from Mr Porter shortly after 1 p.m. was picked up by a Channel Nine helicopter pilot. Porter said he was having difficulty positioning himself and wanted assistance, the helicopter pilot said.
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