Three killed as ‘amateur-built’ light plane crashes in Victorian paddock
Three people have died after a light plane crashed into a paddock and caught alight in Victoria. Emergency services were called to the crash at a property on Hayfield-Upper Maffra Rd in Tinamba West, East Gippsland, on Saturday.
Police were told the “amateur-built light aircraft” was circling the area before it crashed and set on fire about 5.45pm. The pilot and two passengers, who are yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. They were the only occupants onboard.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating the crash and is calling for witnesses or anyone with footage of the crash to come forward.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has commenced a transport safety investigation into an accident involving an amateur-built light aircraft at Tinamba West, Victoria, on Saturday,” said ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchel.
“As reported to the ATSB, the aircraft collided with terrain in a paddock and was destroyed in a post impact fire.
“The ATSB is deploying to the accident site a team of transport safety investigators from its Canberra office, specialising in aircraft operations and maintenance.
“Investigators will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities on site, including wreckage examination and recovery of any relevant aircraft components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra.
“Investigators will also seek to interview any witnesses and collect relevant recorded information including any flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information.
“The ATSB anticipates publishing a preliminary report, detailing the information collected in the investigation’s early evidence gathering phase, in about six to eight weeks.”
‘We knew it was in trouble’
Gippsland residents reported seeing the plane circling moments before the crash.
“So sad, this plane was over our house five minutes before it crashed. We knew it was in trouble as it circled and revving weird,” wrote one local on Facebook. “So sorry for them and their families, and thinking of all those who responded.”
“I heard it out the distance, it didn’t sound right,” added another.
“We saw the same plane circling over our house shortly before the sirens went through town in Maffra,” said a third.
Queensland man Gary Hardingham, who was the previous owner of the light plane, told the Herald Sun he sold the aircraft to a man two weeks ago. The newspaper reports the plane is believed to be a Amateur Built 2013 Morgan Cougar MK1.
