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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
Jessica Brown

'Flying boat' crashes into lake, emergency services race to the scene

Emergency services during the salvage works for the 'flying boat' (left). Picture by Peter Lorimer. Right, the gyrocopter boat after the crash. Picture by Carmen Wilson

TWO people have had a lucky escape after their "gyrocopter boat" crashed into the waters of Lake Macquarie.

Emergency services were called to the crash site just before 10.30am Wednesday April 3 at Marmong Point.

A light aircraft, reportedly a type of gyrocopter boat or "flying boat", was spotted careening on the lake during takeoff before crashing into shallow waters.

Police, paramedics and NSW Fire and Rescue were all called to the scene, with early reports establishing two people were onboard when the aircraft crashed.

A NSW Police spokesman said both people were accounted for and police have since released the following statement.

"Police have been told that the marine aircraft was attempting to take off from the lake when it nose-dived into the water, causing the aircraft to roll sideways.

"The two occupants of the gyrocopter boat were assisted out of the aircraft by members of the public before being assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics.

"No injuries have been reported to police as a result of the incident."

Local boaties came to the rescue of the crashed pilot and helped tow the aircraft into shore.

A rescue boat heads to the scene. Picture by Carmen Wilson
Boaties helped tow the crashed aircraft back in. Picture by Carmen Wilson
Boaties helped tow the crashed aircraft back in. Picture by Carmen Wilson

The aircraft has been towed to a local marina for further investigation.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) dispatched eight appliances to the scene, including specialist rescue crews.

HAZMAT specialists have established booms around the gyrocopter to contain any fuel leak.

NSW Police have taken control of the incident and authorities will attempt to determine the cause of the crash.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has also been notified.

Did you see the crash? Email news@newcastleherald.com.au

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