A pilot is in a critical condition after a light plane crashed into a paddock in Berrima, in the New South Wales Southern Highlands. Emergency services were called to Medway Road at about 7:50am following reports the Hornet STOL recreational aircraft had come down.
The pilot, a man in his 50s and the sole occupant, was trapped in the wreckage for some time before firefighters freed him. He was treated for face and leg injuries by NSW Ambulance paramedics and airlifted to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition.
NSW Police are investigating the incident, which has been referred to aviation authorities. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified but said it only investigates recreational plane crashes in exceptional circumstances.
The crash prompted a major emergency response, with multiple ambulance crews, including two helicopters, arriving at the scene. Fire and Rescue NSW had five units there, and its HAZMAT crews isolated a minor fuel leak and stood by with hoses in case of fire.
Aerial footage shows the yellow plane with red markings seriously damaged in a field. Fire and Rescue NSW said it appeared to be a single fixed-wing light aircraft of aluminium construction.
