Scone, Australia: Two men were killed when a light aircraft crashed into a paddock on Bunnan Road near Scone Aerodrome in New South Wales, Australia, on Friday, 16 October 2026. Emergency services were called to the scene at about 1:55 pm local time, and both occupants died at the site, according to NSW Police.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) described the aircraft as a kit-built aircraft on the recreational register. However, its exact make, model and registration had not been confirmed in the initial reports. Police said inquiries were underway to identify the two men.
Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District attended the crash site and established a crime scene for examination by specialist officers. Recreational Aviation Australia and the ATSB were notified, and police said a report would be prepared for the coroner.
The aircraft’s operator, departure airport, intended destination and purpose of the flight had not been officially disclosed in the initial police statement. There was no confirmed information establishing whether the flight was for private travel, training, commercial activity or another purpose.
The aircraft crashed in a paddock close to Scone Aerodrome, also known as Scone Memorial Airport, in the Upper Hunter region. The available reports did not establish the sequence of events leading to the impact, including whether the aircraft experienced a technical problem, lost control or encountered other difficulties.
NSW Police said emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 2 pm. Police officers attended alongside other emergency responders. The ATSB had been notified and was gathering information. The initial reports did not confirm whether ATSB investigators had commenced an on-site investigation or provided any preliminary findings.
Upper Hunter Mayor Pat Ryan told ABC News that the local airport general manager had contacted him about the crash. He said: “It looks like the aircraft has crashed adjacent to the airport on private property.”
Ryan added: “Police are on the scene … sounds like a very tragic accident.” Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell expressed his condolences in a statement: “My deepest condolences to the family and friends of the two men who have tragically been killed in a plane crash at Scone today.”
NSW Police said an investigation into the circumstances of the crash had commenced. Specialist officers were to examine the established crime scene, and a report would be prepared for the coroner.
The ATSB and Recreational Aviation Australia had been notified. No official cause had been announced, and the available information did not establish whether mechanical failure, pilot-related factors, weather or another circumstance contributed to the crash.
