Qld pilot charged with sabotaging aircraft

An outback Queensland pilot has faced court accused of sabotaging planes and inflicting permanent head injuries on an aircraft engineer.

Josh Hoch, 31, was arrested on Tuesday after a protracted investigation into the alleged tampering of aircraft at Mount Isa Airport.

Police allege Hoch applied "abrasive material" directly into the engines of aircraft, resulting in "catastrophic engine failure" and two forced landings.

More problems were detected in another two planes before they took off.

Police said the damage was limited to two private air charter service providers and not the broader aviation community or major commercial airlines.

"There have been no further instances of aircraft being damaged, and police wish to reassure the travelling community of their safety," police said in a statement.

It is also alleged Hoch inflicted permanent and life-changing head injuries on an aircraft engineer, aged in his 60s, at Charters Towers in July 2014.

Hoch appeared in Mount Isa Magistrates on Wednesday charged with 342 offences, including grievous bodily harm and endangering the safety of persons in a vehicle.

He was granted bail and had his case adjourned to the same court on February 22.