Goolwa South, Australia: Three men died on Friday afternoon when a light aircraft plunged into the Southern Ocean off South Australia’s south coast, authorities confirmed, triggering a multi‑agency emergency response and an ongoing safety investigation.
The single‑engine Cessna light aircraft crashed into the water near Long Bay, close to Goolwa South and the Murray Mouth, at approximately 4:20 p.m. local time, according to South Australia Police and emergency services.
All three occupants of the aircraft were found deceased, police said. They included the 57‑year‑old pilot, a Morphett Vale resident, and two young male passengers, an 18‑year‑old from Freeling and a 19‑year‑old from Pasadena.
Police, air and sea rescue units, including water police and an SA Police helicopter, responded rapidly to the scene following reports of the crash. The wreckage was subsequently recovered and brought ashore near the Murray Mouth, where investigators continue their work.
Senior Constable Rebecca Stokes said police will prepare a formal report for the coroner as part of the post‑incident process.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a transport safety investigation into the crash. According to the ATSB’s preliminary media release, investigators are expected to attend the scene to examine the recovered wreckage, interview witnesses, collect available video footage and any recorded flight tracking data, and obtain pilot and aircraft maintenance records.
In their statement, the ATSB urged anyone who captured video footage of the aircraft in flight or during the accident sequence to contact the bureau, as such material could assist the investigation.
Local residents and bystanders described a sudden and devastating impact during the final moments of the flight. An eyewitness near the Murray Mouth reported the aircraft spiralling before it struck the water with significant force, generating a large splash visible from the shore.
The crash occurred in a relatively remote but popular fishing and recreation area, drawing immediate attention from bystanders who called emergency services.
Emergency responders and local authorities expressed condolences to the families of the victims and gratitude to all individuals and agencies involved in the recovery effort. The incident has also renewed discussion about light aircraft safety in the region.
