Light Plane Crashes in Broome’s Roebuck Bay

A light aircraft crashed into shallow waters at Roebuck Bay in Broome, Western Australia, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at approximately 11:25 am. Emergency services responded to the incident, with one person sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.

Details of the Crash

The plane went down at Fisherman Bend, an area within Roebuck Bay known to be inhabited by saltwater crocodiles news.com.au. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying low before it crashed into the mangroves.

According to police, there were four people on board the plane, which had recently taken off from Broome Airport europesays.com. One person was reported to have sustained minor head injuries, whereas the others were uninjured.

Emergency Response

A major emergency response was initiated following the crash. Marine rescue, police, and St John WA ambulance personnel were dispatched to the scene europesays.com. At least one person was winched from the wreckage by a helicopter.

Witness Accounts

Alex MacNamara, who was on the town jetty, described seeing the plane “dipping quite low” before disappearing into the mangroves europesays.com. Erica Gunyan witnessed the plane going down while at Town Beach.

Investigation

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been alerted to the incident involving a Cessna 441 and is gathering further information europesays.com.

Roebuck Bay

Roebuck Bay is a popular location for fishing and boating, attracting both locals and tourists with its long, mangrove-fringed coastline europesays.com. The Roebuck Bay Hotel, a local landmark, is situated nearby roey.com.au.