Sydney, Australia: A light aircraft crashed shortly after take-off at Shellharbour Airport on Saturday morning, killing all three people on board and sparking a large fire that was quickly extinguished by emergency services.
According to New South Wales Police, the crash occurred around 10 a.m. local time at the airport’s western end. Emergency crews from Fire and Rescue NSW and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) responded to the scene and managed to put out the blaze, but the three occupants were pronounced dead at the site.
“Upon impacting with the ground, the aircraft caught on fire which was extinguished by the Rural Fire Service. Three people are confirmed deceased. There are no reports of any other people being injured,” NSW Police said.
Local reports identified the pilot as Andrew Connors, who also owned the aircraft. The plane was reportedly a Piper Saratoga, taking off for a flight to Bathurst in regional New South Wales before it failed to gain sufficient altitude and crashed seconds after departure.
Eyewitnesses told News.com.au that the aircraft appeared to struggle immediately after leaving the runway before crashing and erupting into flames. Some of those present were attending a community aviation event nearby and saw the impact.
Photographs from the scene showed the aircraft almost completely destroyed, with only parts of the tail section remaining. Police have cordoned off the area, declaring it a crime scene as investigations continue.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been notified and will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Investigators are expected to review wreckage, engine components, and flight path data.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the two passengers pending formal notification of their families. The Lake Illawarra Police District has urged witnesses or anyone with video of the incident to come forward.
