THE lost wreckage of a plane that crashed into rugged terrain northwest of Mt Molloy half a century ago has been uncovered by the brothers of a deceased passenger.

The single-engine aircraft was initially found by a forestry ranger near Mt Fraser in August 1968, yet accurate records of its location were never kept.

In the lead up to the crash’s 50th anniversary, family members of Michael Daley, a trainee station manager who died in the accident, reached out to the Wet Tropics Management Authority for help locating the plane.

Historical records, newspaper clippings, maps, old photographs and family notebooks have been used to pinpoint the moss-covered plane’s hidden location.

Kewarra Beach resident Peter Daley, whose brother died in the crash, says the community’s support has been invaluable.

“We’ve had so many people get in touch with us. Talking to all these old rangers has really helped us track it down.” Daley said

“It was a good feeling when we found it. Relief in a way ... we were very happy to find it.”

Executive Director of the Wet Tropics Management Authority, Scott Buchanan said the crash was a sad part of our World Heritage-listed rainforest’s recent history.

"It is of some comfort to know that the families now have a place to remember their loved ones,” he said.

A memorial commemorating the three men who died aboard the plane is likely to be erected in the future.

Members of the Daley family will travel to far north Queensland next month to mark the 50th anniversary of the crash.

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