Search widened for missing plane in Qld

The search area has been widened for a small plane that has gone missing in central Queensland.

Authorities are hoping the pilot who took off from Gympie, north of Brisbane on Saturday morning, may have landed safely in a remote area but there has been no contact.

At first light on Sunday more aircraft were sent out to search for the aircraft.

Five planes and 13 helicopters are now searching for the single-engine aircraft that failed to arrive at its destination, a small airstrip near Dixalea, west of Gladstone.

A spokeswoman from Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), which is co-ordinating the search, said the search area has since been widened.

The plane does not have any passengers and authorities have not been able to make contact with the pilot.

"We are concerned about the welfare of the pilot," the spokeswoman said.

"However, there's potential he's in a remote area where there is no communications."

Search aircraft with thermal imaging and night vision equipment failed to find the plane on Saturday night.

Anyone who has seen a light plane northwest of Gympie between 9.30am and 11.20am on Saturday are being urged to contact AMSA on 1800 815 257.