TWO people have had a lucky escape after their "gyrocopter boat" crashed into the waters of Lake Macquarie.
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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.
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
Jessica Brown
Jessica began her journalism career in 2009 as a cadet at The Port Stephens Examiner before moving to London for a two-year stint working in magazines and digital publishing. The Lake Macquarie local returned to Australia where she took up a reporting role at The Maitland Mercury. She worked across several rounds including local council, police and property before moving into digital journalism and joining the team at The Newcastle Herald in 2017.
Jessica began her journalism career in 2009 as a cadet at The Port Stephens Examiner before moving to London for a two-year stint working in magazines and digital publishing. The Lake Macquarie local returned to Australia where she took up a reporting role at The Maitland Mercury. She worked across several rounds including local council, police and property before moving into digital journalism and joining the team at The Newcastle Herald in 2017.
