Pilot killed in horror light plane crash near Warwick

A man killed in a fiery light plane crash southwest of Warwick on Thursday has been identified as a 63-year-old former Royal Australian Air Force pilot.

Police on the scene after a light aircraft crashed in the Southern Downs, north of Warwick shortly after midday.

A man killed in a fiery light plane crash southwest of Warwick on Thursday has been identified as a 63-year-old former Royal Australian Air Force pilot.

Merv Mudge was the solo occupant of the plane that crashed about 12.15pm at Palgrave, bursting into flames on impact.

It is understood My Mudge was a retired air force pilot.

Merv Mudge has been identified as the man who died in a horror light plane crash on Thursday.

Police on the scene of the fatal crash.

Several emergency service crews responded to the plane crash, but Mr Mudge was unable to be saved from the wreckage.

Darling Downs Detective Acting Inspector Paula Smithard told 9 News that “around 12:15pm today a transmission was received that a light plane was experiencing trouble”.

9 News also reported that the property owner had been mustering cattle in a neighbouring property when he heard and saw the plane flying overhead.

The property owner said he was “concerned” about the “noise” the plane was making, before witnessing smoke.

A RACQ LifeFlight rescue helicopter was also tasked to the scene.

Police on the scene at Palgrave.

While a close friend, Graham McLoughlin wrote: “Yesterday the world and I lost a truly great human being”.

“My little RAAF Appie brother and great friend, Merv Mudge passed from this world doing what he loved doing, committing Aviation, when his Jabiru experienced mechanical failure and he crashed into a paddock in the Palgrave area of Southern Queensland,” he said.

“Everyone who knew (Mr Mudge), either personally or through his sometimes irreverent posts on Facebook will remember him, his cheeky grin, his mischievous ways and those who knew him well, his love for flight, fun and his sweet soulmate (Ali).”

“Well that news just changed the mood in our household, we have just learnt that a long time friend and work colleague perished in a light aircraft accident - RIP Merv,” Philip Brown posted on Facebook.

“This is how I will always remember Lord Horatio “Swervin” Mervin.”

“I am so sorry to hear of this terrible news, I’ll be thinking of you,” Jo Frost said.

A QFES spokesman said four crews also responded to extinguish a grass fire that spread after the crash.

The plane crash involved a kit-built Jabiru aircraft registered with Recreational Aviation Australia.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will not investigate the crash as it only examines accidents involving recreational aircraft where an investigation has the potential to highlight wider safety issues.

Police investigators will work with officials from Recreational Aviation Australia to determine the cause of the crash.