Eight skydivers made a timely exit from a plane moments before it crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot, Paul Smith, aged 54. The fatal incident occurred in New South Wales, Australia.
The group of skydivers safely parachuted from the aircraft at an altitude of approximately 14,000 feet, narrowly escaping the crash that transpired in Moruya, a coastal town. NSW Police Inspector Justin Marks briefed the media, stating that the plane came to rest in dense bushland near George Bass Drive, with one of its wings landing on the road itself.
Paul Smith, a seasoned skydiver with nearly four decades of experience, held over 10,000 hours as a pilot in command. Recognized for his significant contributions to the sport, he was bestowed with the prestigious title of Master of Sport Parachuting by the Australian Parachute Federation last year.
Tragically, Mr. Smith was alone on the aircraft at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to reports. Law enforcement officials have established a crime scene for further investigation, with plans to present a detailed report to the coroner.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has initiated an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the crash and the adherence to safety protocols leading up to the tragic event. The ATSB announced the deployment of a team of transport safety investigators to the crash site to conduct a comprehensive analysis, including drone-assisted site surveys and wreckage examinations.
While the exact causes of the crash are yet to be determined, witnesses mentioned hearing unusual noises and observing erratic flight patterns in the aircraft’s final moments. Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell confirmed that the single-engine Pilatus Porter plane had only been in operation in Australia for a month, having been imported from New Zealand after undergoing significant maintenance checks.
The aircraft, manufactured around 1980 in Switzerland, had been actively used for skydiving activities in Australia before the accident. Despite the recent maintenance checks, a thorough investigation into the incident is underway to ascertain any possible factors that contributed to the tragedy.