Picton businessman John Corbett killed in Braidwood plane crash

A Picton man and prominent property developer as been identified as the victim of a plane crash on a ­private property at Braidwood.

The wreckage of a light plane crash near Braidwood. Picture: Lukas Coch

• Ingleburn murder case: Police say ‘no stone will be left unturned’
• Dodgy Camden doctor sentenced to 16 years jail

A property developer was killed when the light plane he was piloting crashed on an airstrip east of Canberra yesterday.

Picton businessman John Corbett was last night identified by police as the victim.

Mr Corbett, who was aged in his early 60s, owned Picton Mall and other land holdings in the Picton area.

John Corbett owned the local shopping centre, Picton Mall.

Tributes have poured in from across the Picton community for the prominent local identity.

“Today we lost one of our own. A man who had nothing but great plans for our little town,” Picton Chamber of Commerce president Kyle Chamberlain said.

“A businessman through and through. A family man. A hard working man whose efforts have seen Picton grow and flourish.

“John is a massive loss to the local community and his unbridled passion for the town will never be surpassed. Along with his family he will be forever etched in Picton’s history.

“Picton will be forever in his debt.”

Kyle Chamberlain.

Wollondilly Mayor Matthew Deeth passed on condolences to the Corbett family on behalf of Wollondilly Council.

“The impact of John Corbett in the business community and the town of Picton cannot be overstated — his presence will be greatly missed and his legacy will live on for many years to come,” he said.

“We have all been enriched by John’s vision and passion for the broader community and for the betterment of this amazing place we live in.”

Wollondilly Mayor Matthew Deeth.

Antill Park Country Golf Club manager Linda Mason said Mr Corbett was a long-time supporter of the community.

“It is going to be a big loss for the community,” she said.

“He wanted to make Picton a tourism attraction and that development he had for Menangle St was all about bringing people in.”

Lyn Fairley, who had known Mr Corbett since childhood, said he had “inspirational concepts” for the town of Picton.

“One thing I have always admired about John is his quiet support for the community, without blowing his own trumpet,” she said.

“He always chipped in and never wanted any personal glory.”

The crash occurred about 11.30am on a ­private property at Braidwood.

Alan Hannaford, who owns the property next to the crash site, witnessed the tragedy unfold.

“He circled once, and when he circled a second time, he’d gone past the bottom of the strip,” Mr Hannaford said.

“We thought ‘Oh that’s it, he’ll head off’. And in a heartbeat, the left wing dropped and the plane did a sort of a 90-degree spin and just dove straight into the ground in … my neighbour’s paddock next door.”

Plane crash witness Alan Hannaford has told of how he saw the plane go down. Picture: AAP

Mr Hannaford said his wife and a friend rushed to the property and confirmed the pilot and sole occupant was deceased.

A crash scene was established and police and Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators are continuing inquiries.

The aircraft was a Liberty Aerospace XL2, registered to J & R Corbett Pty Ltd.

The ATSB will examine the wreckage and accident site, interview witnesses, obtain any available recorded data for analysis, and gather additional information.

The investigation is not expected to be complete until next year.

A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.