Two people have escaped serious injury after a light plane crash-landed on a golf course in Sydney's Northern Beaches. The incident occurred during a training flight just after 2pm on Sunday, with an instructor pilot and a student on board. The aircraft, a Piper Cherokee, came down at Mona Vale Golf Club, causing visible damage to a wing and losing its wheels.
NSW Ambulance treated the pair, both in their 50s, at the scene for minor injuries, including facial injuries to one person. They were taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for further assessment. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is gathering evidence but has not yet decided whether to conduct a formal investigation.
Witnesses described the plane descending silently before a loud crash. Keanu Turnewitsch, who was on the golf course, said a large shadow passed over him, and moments later he heard a crunching sound. Another witness at nearby Kitchener Park saw the plane dip its wings before the crash. The aircraft had taken off from Shellharbour near Wollongong, made a stop in Camden, and was continuing north when the forced landing occurred.
Authorities stated the cause of the crash landing is unknown but may be due to possible engine trouble. The ATSB is collecting evidence to determine the circumstances of the incident.
