Western Downs plane crash cause revealed, responsible for taking life of pilot Tom Grey

The cause of a devastating light plane crash that claimed the life of a well-known pilot late last year has been revealed, after authorities released an official statement.

A large bird that struck the windshield of a light plane has been was revealed as the cause of a fatal light plane crash that took the life of Tom Grey Picture: Facebook

Details from a light plane crash that took place in the Western Downs late last year has been revealed, after officials released a statement outlining the main cause of the horrific accident.

On September 20, Mungindi pilot Tom Grey was flying a crop duster above a property on Chinchilla-Wondai Rd, Canaga when it suddenly lost altitude and crashed.

The 32-year-old suffered injuries and died at the scene.

An investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has concluded that a large bird struck the right windshield of the aircraft while Mr Grey was spraying crops eight feet above ground, which caused the plane to crash.

After examining the Western Downs site the bureau sited that the plane flew a further 310 metres (five seconds) after the bird struck the plane, before it collided with the ground.

A large bird that struck the windshield of a light plane has been was revealed as the cause of a fatal light plane crash that took the life of Tom Grey. Picture: Facebook

It was revealed by the Australian Centre of Wildlife Genomics at the Australian Museum that the bird involved in the crash was an ‘Australian bustard’ or ‘Plains turkey’ which is Australia’s heaviest bird with an average adult weighing 4.5kg.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s director of transport safety Kerri Hughes said the accident was the second fatal bird strike in Australia in 2022.

“While the vast majority of bird strikes result in nil-to-minor damage to the aircraft, and nil-to-minor injuries to occupants, these two accidents highlight the ongoing hazard bird strikes represent,” Ms Hughes said.

A large bird that struck the windshield of a light plane has been was revealed as the cause of a fatal light plane crash that took the life of Tom Grey. Picture: Facebook

“This second accident in particular highlights the ongoing hazards presented during low-level spraying operations.”

Many tributes poured in for the beloved pilot following the fatal crash, as he was remembered by his brothers Will and Eddie, and mother Virginia as being a “larrikin” and “always lived life to the fullest”.

“He was just very caring, full of life, (had) friends everywhere, and loved his family. A beautiful kind of boy,” his mother said.

“(Flying) was his passion. I remember when he told me, ‘I want to learn to fly’, and he loved it.”