Two men killed in light plane crash in NSW Hunter Valley had just bought aircraft
Updated . First published at
Two men have been killed in a light plane crash in the NSW Hunter Valley, about 300 kilometres north-west of Sydney.
The pair had travelled to Scone from Western Australia to pick up the 2012 ultralight they bought just last month for $38,000. Minutes after take-off, the aircraft crashed into a paddock, killing both men on impact.
Two men have been killed in a light plane crash in the NSW Hunter Valley, about 300 kilometres north-west of Sydney. 9News
Emergency services, including police, paramedics and firefighters, were called to a paddock on Bunnan Road near the Scone Aerodrome about 2pm on Friday.
“Upon attendance, NSW Ambulance located two males in the cockpit of the aircraft, and sadly, both men were deceased,” officials said.
Police said they were looking into all possible explanations for the crash, be it pilot error, mechanical error or weather.
The 2012 ultralight was purchased by the men last month for $38,000 but crashed into a paddock minutes after take-off on their first flight. 9News
A crime scene was established, and police remained at the site, which was to be examined by specialist officers.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau told nine.com.au it had been notified of the crash.
“The accident has been reported to us and we have confirmed it was a kit-built aircraft on the recreational register,” a spokesperson said.
“As such the ATSB is not investigating this accident.”
Police said Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAUS) had also been informed about the incident.
In a statement, the organisation said it was shocked by the crash.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau told nine.com.au it had been notified of the crash. NBN
“Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) is deeply saddened to hear of the tragic accident near Scone Aerodrome this afternoon, in which two people lost their lives,” it said.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the pilot and passenger at this very difficult time.”
The organisation said it would be assisting with any investigations.
Scone is a major town in the Upper Hunter Valley, about 271 kilometres north of Sydney and 153 kilometres north of Newcastle, and has a population of 5013, according to the latest census.
The airport does not have any commercial passenger services, and only has capacity for light aircraft and small, executive jets.
According to the aerodrome’s official website, there are about 9500 aircraft movements a year at the airport, and offers as an important base for medical flights, as well as a site for pilot training.
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