Pitch Black aircraft crashes in Douglas Daly region

Exercise Pitch Black operations have been grounded after an international participant crashed in a remote region of the Northern Territory. Here’s what we know.

Pitch Black operations were grounded after an international aircraft crashed in remote NT.

All Exercise Pitch Black flight operations have been cancelled for the day after an international participant crashed in the Douglas Daly region.

The incident involving an Italian fighter jet took place about 10.45am on Wednesday, 18km south southwest of Daly River.

NT Police have confirmed the aircraft was taking part in Exercise Pitch Black.

Italy’s defence ministry released a statement stating they did not yet know what had caused the Eurofighter Typhoon F-2000 aircraft to crash.

“The pilot quickly ejected. He is in good health and is completing medical tests at a hospital,” the statement said.

Reports of an aircraft crash near Darwin, Northern Territory.

The exercise participant ejected from their aircraft during flying operations and made immediate contact with aircrew in the area through radio, according to a Defence spokesperson.

“Australian Defence Force personnel responded immediately and professionally at 10:45am to an aircraft emergency in the exercise area,” a statement said.

“They coordinated recovery of the pilot with a search and rescue helicopter.”

The pilot arrived at hospital at 1.30pm for precautionary checks, but is otherwise safe and well.

Exercise Commander, Air Commodore Peter Robinson. Picture: Fia Walsh

Exercise Commander, Air Commodore Peter Robinson, confirmed the pilot was uninjured, safe and in good spirits.

“Our Defence personnel worked rapidly and efficiently to respond to this situation and worked to help recover the pilot,” he said.

“We train for these scenarios as part of all our safety planning and I was pleased to see the integration of international personnel with our own to coordinate the search, rescue and recovery of the pilot to hospital within three hours.

“I would like to thank all of those, including the Northern Territory emergency services who played a part in getting this pilot back to safety.”

Solomon MP Luke Gosling said the incident was a reminder of the risks involved in training exercises.

“This emergency incident is a reminder of the managed risks involved in training so that we can defend our nation if and when required,” he said.

“The international pilot who ejected from their aircraft this morning is thankfully safe and receiving care. Thank you to all our first responders.

“Spending time with our Australian and international Exercise Pitch Black 24 visitors has been fantastic.”

All Pitch Black flying operations have been grounded for the remainder of Wednesday, Picture: SGT David Gibbs / Australian Defence Force / AFP

The Australian Defence Force has confirmed all flying had been cancelled for the remainder of Wednesday.

This year’s Pitch Black exercise is the largest in its 43-year history with about 140 aircraft and more than 4000 personnel from 20 nations taking part.

Participants include Italy, who are making their Pitch Black debut this year, France, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Originally published as Pitch Black aircraft crashes in Douglas Daly region