Pilot killed in light plane crash near Giru, south of Townsville

Police have formally identified the pilot who died after his light aircraft crashed south of Townsville on Sunday morning.

A 67-year-old Townsville man has died following a light plane crash near Shirbourne, south of Giru, on Sunday.

In a statement released on Sunday afternoon, Queensland police confirmed the man’s death after a search was launched when his aircraft didn’t arrive in Ayr.

A Townsville man died in a light plane crash near Shirbourne on Sunday morning. Picture: Google Maps.

“Police were made aware of the missing aircraft around 9.30am, when authorities launched a search,” QPS said.

“The aircraft was located during an aerial search and the pilot and sole occupant was located deceased at the scene.”

The crash scene was in the vicinity of Bahr Road, Shirbourne.

Due to the rugged bushland, which was “very steep and covered in thick foliage”, police and emergency services were forced to hike to the crash location.

The scene will be guarded overnight as the Forensic Crash Unit investigates the circumstances of the crash.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Originally published as Pilot killed in light plane crash near Giru, south of Townsville