Warnervale Airport, Central Coast: Emergency services respond to light plane crash

Images of the light plane that crashed at Warnervale airport have been released as the pilot walks away with minor injuries.

An investigation will be conducted into a light aircraft crash on the Central Coast.

Emergency service crews rushed to Warnervale Aerodrome on Monday following reports of a light plane crash.

NSW Ambulance road crews, NSW Police and NSW Fire and Rescue crews responded just before 11am after a small Cessna aircraft crashed into bushland and landed upside down. Off duty paramedics who were nearby also responded.

The pilot of the plane, a 71-year-old man, miraculously walked out of the plane and was treated at the scene for a minor hand injury. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital as a precaution.

Central Coast Aero Club general manager Andrew Smith said the aircraft had crashed just after take off.

A light plane has crashed into bushland at Warnervale airport with a man sustaining just minor injuries. Picture: NSW Ambulance

The plane crashed in an upside down position. Picture: NSW Ambulance

“I have only just turned up on scene myself … I don’t have a lot of the details yet,” he said.

“The pilot seems to be 100 per cent okay which is the important thing. The aircraft has sustained some damage.”

Mr Smith said the pilot flew regularly from the airport and was training for a higher qualification.

“He has his recreational pilot’s licence so he is fully licenced and was just doing a little bit of further training for a more advanced qualification this morning.

“I haven’t had a chance to speak to him yet but I imagine after any incident like that anyone would feel lucky.”

Central Coast Aero Club general manager Andrew Smith at the scene.

Emergency services at the scene with the plane located behind in bushland. Picture: NSW Ambulance

Mr Smith said he didn’t want to speculate on the cause of the crash.

“It may have been weather related, there’s a bit of wind around today but it’s impossible to say at this stage,” he said.

NSW Ambulance Inspector Andrew Craig said “the pilot has been incredibly lucky to walk away from this crash with minor injuries”.

“When we arrived, the aircraft had crashed into trees, landing on its roof,” he said.

“Our paramedics know that incidents involving aircraft can be extremely serious and it’s a relief that the man involved today was not badly injured.”

Investigations have commenced and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau have been notified. There were no reports of an explosion or fire relating to the incident.

Warnervale Airport light aircraft crash. Emergency services remain at the scene with reports one man has sustained minor injuries. pic.twitter.com/IE0EqEPV31

— Fiona Killman (@FionaKillman) August 22, 2022