Plane makes emergency landing on highway

A twin engine aircraft carrying a number passengers made an emergency landing on Great Northern Highway this afternoon, about 60km south of Broome.

The pilot was heading towards Broome International Airport and radioed the tower to say he was having apparent engine problems.

The plane touched down safely on the national highway and police later closed the road from Sandfire to Roebuck Plains Roadhouse.

BIA chief executive Paul McSweeney said airport staff were dispatched to the scene and an airport bus transferred passengers into town.

“The airport was put on alert because the aircraft had difficulties and we are very relieved it was able to get down safely and nobody was hurt,” he said.

“It was a police-controlled scene but the airport was lending any assistance that it could.”

It is understood the aircraft was enroute from Halls Creek and that nine passengers were on board.