Shellharbour Airport: Three people dead after light plane crashed and caught fire
Three people have died after a light aircraft crashed and caught fire shortly after take-off at Shellharbour Airport this morning.
Emergency services were called to the scene in the Lake Illawarra area about 10am on Saturday following reports of the crash.
Police said the aircraft impacted the ground soon after take-off and burst into flames, which were extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed three people were found dead at the scene.
“Three people are confirmed deceased,” the spokesperson said.
“There are no reports of any other people being injured.
Only the blue and white tail is visible, as the fuselage has been totally burnt.
Flight data shows a privately owned, six-seat single engine Piper Cherokee Lance aircraft began to depart Shellharbour at 10am.
Flight tracking shows the plane veered to the left and crashed as it began to take off from the westward runway.
Aerial footage shows blackened tarmac consistent with the publicly available flight path data.
The flight data also shows the plane was destined for Bathurst, about 170km away, where the V8 Supercars are racing this weekend.
They say that the site had been secured for investigation. “A crime scene has been established and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified”.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, with further details to be provided as they become available.
Senior police are expected to speak to media about the crash on Saturday afternoon.
- with NewsWire
