A seasoned pilot tragically lost his life in a fatal crash shortly after eight skydivers exited his aircraft. The experienced aviator, Paul Smith, crashed his light plane into dense bushland near Moruya Airport in New South Wales. The 54-year-old pilot and skydiving instructor was alone in the plane at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead on-site. The skydivers had safely landed within the airport grounds just two minutes before the plane went down from an altitude of 14,000 feet.
Detective Inspector Justin Marks expressed deep sorrow over the loss, highlighting Smith’s esteemed reputation in the local community. He emphasized the tragic impact of such an event in a close-knit area. An investigation report is being prepared for the coroner’s review.
Angus Mitchell from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau mentioned that while the skydivers have not been interviewed yet, witnesses reported hearing unusual sounds and observing irregular flight patterns before the crash. The Bureau of Meteorology is being consulted for weather conditions during the incident.
Chief Commissioner Mitchell disclosed that the aircraft had undergone a thorough maintenance check six weeks before the crash. Despite being constructed around 1980, the plane had been operational in several flights prior to the accident. A preliminary report to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the crash may take up to eight weeks.
Paul Smith, with over two decades of piloting experience and supervising more than 20,000 jumps, was honored by the Australian Parachute Federation last year for his significant contributions to the sport. This incident follows the tragic death of Mexican TV broadcaster Debora Estrella, and pilot Bryan Ballesteros, in a plane crash during a flying lesson in Nuevo Leon.
Unverified social media footage depicted the small aircraft spiraling out of control before crashing, with a helicopter attempting to provide assistance. Prior to the accident, Debora had shared a photo of the ill-fated plane on her Instagram Live stories, expressing excitement before take-off from Monterrey-Del Norte International Airport.
