Experienced pilots named as victims of light plane crash on NSW Mid North Coast
An experienced instructor and his pilot passenger have been killed after losing control of a microlight plane and crashing into the ocean off the NSW Mid North Coast.
Pilot Mark White, 67, who dedicated his life to flying, was killed yesterday alongside Simon Peutrill, 69, on board the Sting S4
Both were pilots and experienced instructors.
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Pilot Mark White 67, who dedicated his life to flying, was killed. Nine
The plane left Coffs Harbour about 3.30pm yesterday headed for South West Rocks, but it never made it.
It lost control less than 30 minutes later, crashing into the ocean 1 kilometre east of Gumma.
White ran Midcoast Microlights, a flying school that operated out of Coffs Harbour.
Peutrill, originally from Woolgoolga, joined the school in 2022.
Witness Todd O'Neil said he heard the plane before it crashed.
"[I] heard the plane actually go over home, which was very low," he said.
The plane left Coffs Harbour around 3.30 yesterday afternoon headed for South West Rocks, but it never made it. Nine
A recovery mission for the plane wreckage is underway after two men in their 60s were killed. Supplied
"I knew that's not right considering we don't get much plane action around here.
"The engine was very low revving – it sounded as though it was struggling for power."
What went wrong or how two experienced pilots lost control is under scrutiny.
The second body was recovered today, amid difficult conditions near Scott's Head Beach, NSW chief inspector Stuart Campbell told media.
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Some parts of the aircraft have washed up at the beach. 9News
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Police said an inquiry was under way into the cause of the crash.
Officers from Mid North Coast police district and Marine Area Command, along with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), are assisting in the investigation.
A report is being prepared for the coroner.
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