The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has begun investigating the crash of a small experimental aircraft near Appin, south-west of Sydney, which killed two men on Monday. The plane, a foreign-registered Glasair Super II, was built from a kit and originally registered in the United States.
The victims, believed to be aged 67 and 68, have not yet been formally identified. The aircraft took off from Temora in the Riverina region, according to NSW Police, and crashed shortly before 3pm, sparking a 5-hectare bushfire that has since been extinguished.
ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said the aircraft was severely damaged by the blaze, limiting physical evidence and electronic data. Investigators will use a drone to map the site and create a 3D picture to understand the flight profile before the collision. They also hope to recover electronic devices such as iPhones and iPads to aid the investigation.
Mr Mitchell noted that this year has been one of the worst on record for light plane fatalities, with 23 fatal accidents. Aviation expert Geoffrey Thomas said kit-built planes are not uncommon among sport pilots, but lack the electronics and landing aids of commercial aircraft.
The ATSB expects to remain at the site for several days gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. A final report will be published after the investigation, but any critical safety issues will be immediately reported. Witnesses or anyone with footage are urged to contact the ATSB or Crime Stoppers.
