Pilot in Critical Condition After Light Plane Crash in Berrima
A pilot has been airlifted to hospital in a critical condition following a light plane crash in Berrima early on Thursday morning. Emergency services were called to Medway Road at Berrima just before 8am on April 16, 2026, after reports indicated that a recreational aircraft had come down in a paddock.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operation
Firefighters worked diligently to free the 58-year-old pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, after he remained trapped in the plane wreckage for an extended period. NSW Ambulance paramedics provided immediate treatment at the scene for injuries sustained to his face and legs before he was transported via air ambulance to Liverpool Hospital for further medical care.
The aircraft, identified as a Hornet STOL recreational plane, crashed shortly before 7.50am. Southern Highlands police have notified both the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and Recreational Aviation Australia about the incident, with authorities expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
This incident highlights the risks associated with recreational aviation and underscores the importance of safety protocols. The local community in Berrima and the broader Southern Highlands region are likely to be affected by this event, as such crashes can raise concerns about air safety in rural areas.
As the investigation progresses, more details may emerge regarding the cause of the crash and any potential factors involved. The pilot's condition remains critical, and updates on his recovery are anticipated in the coming days.
