An ultra-light aircraft has stunned a group of grey nomads by making an emergency landing in the middle of their Pilbara campsite.
The plane narrowly missed the gathering of about 25 caravans when it touched down at the Port Hedland Turf Club RV overflow camping area on McGregor Street.
The West Australian newspaper reports that Chinese visitor Feng Zhai, who is travelling around Australia with his family on a two-year trip, had to improvise when he was unable to find a designated landing spot.
Some travellers said the area where Mr Zhai landed had been in use during the morning.
“I tell you what, this morning that area was full of vans and the day before they were right down the middle,” Jean Beale told the West Australian. “They’re very lucky it wasn’t busy like it has been lately.”
Mr Zhai rold the newspaper that his family is travelling by road while he takes an aerial route.
“I wanted to fly into the airport but they said I can’t for a half an hour,” he said. “But my wife called me and told me about the campground – no toilet and no electricity – and I was worried about her so I wanted to have a look.”
Police say no charges have been laid or arrests made. However, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified and is looking into the situation.
• Did you see the aircraft make its unexpected landing? What is the most unexpected thing that you have seen happen at a campground? Comment below.
Had to give way to the royal flying doctor plane on the Nullarbor
The same man landed at Raglan statio , Central Qld a few weeks ago while we were camped there. It was an unexpected landing but at least there was a landing strip. He stayed the night as his wife was having car trouble.
Flying light aircraft in outback Australia is very perilous.You never really know the condition of designated airstrips until your on top of them, many have cattle fences and other obstacles running right through the middle of them which are almost impossible to see from the air. Well done Mr Zhai for putting himself in harms way to avoid visitors in the area.