Veteran Aerobatic Pilot Killed in Formation Flight Tragedy
The Australian aviation community is mourning the loss of respected pilot Eddie Seve, who died when two light planes collided mid-air during a formation flight near Appin in Sydney's southwest.
The 64-year-old founder of the Freedom Formation Display Team was flying his home-built RV-7 aircraft on Sunday, November 30, when the tragic incident occurred at approximately 12:15pm.
The Fateful Flight and Collision
Flight-tracking data reveals Mr Seve departed from Wedderburn Airstrip near Appin at 11:40am, flying his two-seat RV-7 alongside another aircraft of the same make. The pair flew southeast over the Illawarra suburbs of Austinmer, Coledale and Wombarra before turning back toward Wedderburn.
According to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, the two RV-7s were part of a four-aircraft formation when they collided. While one aircraft managed to land safely at the airfield with its pilot uninjured, Mr Seve's plane crashed into terrain, resulting in fatal injuries.
Emergency services were called to the scene and located the body of the pilot, who is believed to have been the sole occupant of the aircraft.
Tributes Pour In for 'Humble and Kind' Aviator
Friends and fellow aviators have described Mr Seve as a passionate and generous member of the flying community. His close friend Stuart Hutchison shared heartfelt words about the late pilot.
"A humble, kind, considerate, well spoken man, forever encouraging and helping others, sharing his passion for aviation with anyone eager to reach for the sky," Mr Hutchison said.
"The small but close-knit community of sport aviators are going to miss you dearly my friend, on the ground and in the air."
Lifelong Passion for Aviation
Mr Seve's love for flying began at a young age. According to a Freedom Formation Display Team social media post from August 2023, the pilot developed his passion after sneaking into the Schofields Airshow at 13 years old with friends.
The post described how a P-51 Mustang's "hello pass" during that airshow made the hair on young Eddie's neck stand up, hooking him on aviation forever.
His first aircraft construction project was a Hughes Lightwing Bipe, built with assistance from his father and two friends. This early experience eventually led to his interest in aerobatics and the formation of his display team.
The team had become a familiar sight in the Illawarra region, with plane spotter Clinton Down capturing images of their tight formation pass over Shellharbour Airport's Runway 34 just months earlier on July 19.
Investigation Underway
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. ATSB investigators will conduct several key activities in the coming days:
- Site mapping and wreckage examination
- Recovery of relevant aircraft components
- Interviews with other pilots involved in the formation flight
- Collection of witness statements and footage
- Analysis of flight-tracking data and maintenance records
The Freedom Formation Display Team has confirmed they are cooperating fully with authorities and providing support to team members and their families during this difficult time.
The ATSB expects to release a preliminary report within approximately two months and has asked anyone with footage of the accident or either aircraft during their flights to come forward.
Mr Seve's passing has left a significant void in Australia's recreational aviation community, remembered not only for his skill as a pilot but for his generous spirit and dedication to sharing his passion with others.
