A pilot has died following a light plane crash in Malabaine, a rural locality approximately 60 kilometres northeast of Perth, on Tuesday morning. The single-engine aircraft went down in a paddock near the intersection of Mooliabeenee Road and Bindoon Road around 9:30 am.
Details of the crash
Emergency services, including police, St John Ambulance, and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, were called to the scene. The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, was pronounced dead at the site. The plane, a Vans RV-6, is believed to have been on a recreational flight.
Investigation underway
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has commenced an investigation into the accident. A team of specialists will examine the wreckage and gather evidence to determine the cause of the crash. The ATSB is expected to release a preliminary report within weeks.
Local resident Mark Johnson, who lives nearby, said he heard a sputtering engine before the crash. "It was a really loud noise, then a bang. I looked out and saw smoke rising from the paddock," he told 7NEWS.
Community response
The Shire of Chittering, which encompasses Malabaine, expressed condolences to the pilot's family. Shire president Linda Aitken said, "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the pilot during this difficult time. We thank the emergency services for their prompt response."
This is the third light plane crash in Western Australia this year. In January, a pilot died after a plane crashed near Esperance, and in February, two people were injured in a crash near Bunbury.
