Light Aircraft Crash Near Sydney Kills Three, Investigation Underway

SYDNEY, Australia: A tragic incident occurred at Shellharbour Airport, roughly 85 km (53 miles) south of Sydney, on Saturday morning when a light aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all three people on board. The crash, which happened around 10:00 am (23:00 GMT Friday), resulted in the aircraft immediately catching fire.

New South Wales Police confirmed the fatalities, stating: “Upon impacting with the ground, the aircraft caught on fire which was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW. Three people are confirmed deceased.”

The severity of the crash was highlighted by an eyewitness who attempted to assist. Fire and Rescue NSW Inspector Andrew Barber reported that a local Rural Fire Service (RFS) unit was conducting training nearby, and one member witnessed the impact.

Speaking to ABC News, Barber stated that due to the rapid combustion and exposure to fuel, “the occupants had no chance of being saved.” He confirmed the plane was “broken into multiple pieces by the impact of the crash,” with the charred wreckage and the three deceased remaining at the site.

Police have established a crime scene at the airport. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been notified and is set to conduct a full investigation into the cause of the disaster.