The search for a light plane missing off the west coast of the Territory has been suspended.

The Cessna 210, carrying a family of four, was last heard from during a radio call on Monday afternoon.

The plane was flying from Bullo River Station to an airstrip south of Darwin but failed to arrive.

“A land, air and sea search by NT Police, Northern Territory Emergency Services and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority has located the bodies of three of the four people.” Said Acting Commander Mark Christopher.

“Authorities today concentrated their land, air and sea search around the Anson Bay area, but apart from minor wreckage believed to be from the plane, have not located anything further.”

“Advice we have received is that it’s highly unlikely the plane would have remained intact. The terrain and tidal movements have made it extremely difficult to find the crash site.”

“The recovered bodies have been flown to Darwin for formal identification.”

A report for the Coroner will be prepared by the NT Police while the Australian Transport Safety Bureau will conduct an investigation into the incident.