Two men dead in ultralight aircraft crash in Hunter Valley, members of Royal Newcastle Aero Club
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of two men who died while flying an ultralight aircraft, which crashed near Maitland.
Newcastle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Newcastle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Two men, both qualified pilots and long standing members of the Royal Newcastle Aero Club, have been killed when their ultralight glider crashed at a farm in the Hunter Valley on the weekend.
The bodies of Alex Blanch, 44, and Sig Bruhn, 71, were found in the aircraft wreckage just after midday on Saturday, after it had crashed in farmland on Paterson Rd in Woodville, near Maitland.
President John Tate said both were long standing members of the Aero Club and Mr Branch was their board director.
“Alex was in his fourth year, second term, and he made a very good contribution to the club in terms of his responsibilities as a director,” Mr Tate said.
“He was dedicated to the well being of the organisation and worked hard to make sure the club remained in good order, and well managed.
“He had held a pilots license for quite some time and had his own aircraft but on this occasion, he was flying an aircraft that was commonly called a trike.
“He flew that aircraft regularly, and he liked flying it. Think he liked the freedom.”
The men were flying together when the aircraft went down.
“I think they were friends,” Mr Tate added.
“We extend our sympathies to both families.
“The vice president came with me and we spoke to the family of Alex on Sunday.
“We assured them that the club is willing to offer whatever assistance that we can.
“We’re very keen to make sure that we as an organisation can give them the best assistance they may require.”
The cause of the accident is now under investigation by officers from the Port Stephens-Hunter Police District in conjunction with the Sporting Aviation Federation of Australia.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.