The rescue service RFS says in a press release that a number of helicopters are now searching for the aircraft, after losing contact with it in the afternoon, local time. The aircraft disappeared in the Snowy Monaro area of ​​southern New South Wales.

No flights in Canberra

No flights are currently taking off or landing at the airport in Australia's capital Canberra, due to terrain fires. But the terminal has not had to be evacuated, the airport says on Twitter.

The fires are gaining momentum again

A heat wave has drawn in over the southeastern part of the country, with temperatures well above 40 degrees, causing several fires to take off after a week of calmer conditions.

Train traffic between Sydney and Canberra is also affected, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.