Eight skydivers jumped from a plane shortly before it crashed off the coast of New South Wales, resulting in the death of the pilot.
Paul Smith, 54, died around 2 PM on Saturday when the skydiving aircraft, piloted from Moruya, crashed approximately 1.2 miles from the airport.
According to NSW Police Inspector Justin Marks, Smith jumped safely from the plane at an altitude of about 14,000 feet, just two minutes prior to the incident.
“The aircraft came to rest in dense bushes next to George Bus Drive, but its wings extended onto the road itself,” Marks noted.
Smith owned a skydiving company with nearly four decades of experience, amassing over 10,000 hours in pilot command. He was recognized late last year for his contributions to the sport, receiving the Australian Parachute Federation’s highest honor after starting his skydiving journey in 1987 at just 16.
Tragically, he was the only occupant aboard the plane during the crash and was declared dead at the scene.
“A crime scene has been established, and investigators will be working on it,” a police statement conveyed.
A report for the coroner will be generated as part of the proceedings. Meanwhile, the Australian Transportation Safety Authority has initiated a safety investigation into the accident.
The ATSB has dispatched a team of transportation safety experts from its offices in Canberra and Brisbane to the crash site, as indicated by a department statement. They will carry out various activities, including site surveys using drones, testing the wreckage, and recovering aircraft components for further inspection.
Secretary Angus Mitchell mentioned it’s still too soon to determine if any airborne issues contributed to the crash, though some witnesses reported hearing an unusual noise and observing odd flight patterns right before the crash.
The aircraft, a single-engine Pilatus Porter, had been in operation in Australia for about a month after being sourced from New Zealand. “It was manufactured in Switzerland around 1980,” Mitchell shared.
He added, “I know there was a significant maintenance check before it was brought to Australia. I’ve been doing a lot of jumps recently.”
The ATSB is seeking anyone who might have video of the aircraft during any part of its flight or immediately following the crash. Those with information are encouraged to reach out via Crime Stoppers at 1800-333-000.
