Young boy and man in 30s dead after plane crash at Lilydale north of Grafton in northern NSW: Police

An off-duty nurse was one of the first to come across the burning wreckage of a horrific plane crash near Grafton which claimed the lives of a man and young boy. Here’s what we know.

The crash site. Picture: TNV

A young boy and a man have perished in a horrific light plane crash northwest of Grafton in northern NSW.

The small aircraft hit the ground after crashing through powerlines on a property at Lilydale, near Grafton, about 9am on Tuesday, according to NSW Police.

The scene of the light plane crash. Picture: TNV

Fire and Rescue, NSW Ambulance paramedics, police and State Emergency Service (SES) personnel have been at the scene.

The plane is a kit-built Highlander recreational category aircraft, it’s understood.

A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed one of the deceased is a “young boy” under 10 years old and another a man in his 30s, though work has been underway to properly identify the pair. However, they are related, police say.

Their exact age has not been confirmed by police.

Coffs/Clarence Police District Acting Inspector Aaron Van Schaik told media on Tuesday afternoon the family had been notified.

It is understood the plane departed from the Gold Coast on Monday, before resuming flight again on Tuesday morning when the fatal crash occurred.

Kerry Monk, a nurse from Coffs Harbour, was camping near the site of the crash with her husband.

Kerry Monk was camping with her husband when the plane crashed nearby. Picture: Odessa Blain

“I woke up to a massive bang and I could also hear whooshing,” she said.

Her husband suggested they investigate and Ms Monk said she spotted the wreckage as they drove along the riverbank.

“It was so intense – there were flames and black smoke,” she said.

“I went there thinking maybe I could assist, but I soon realised there was nothing I could do.”

Ms Monk called emergency services for help.

“Today has been full on and it’s something you just can’t get away from here,” she said.

“Usually when we come here it’s just the cows we’re talking to … but today has been a rollercoaster of emotions for sure.”

Part of the plane in the river. Picture: TNV

Police confirmed emergency services were called to Winegrove Rd following reports the light plane had run into the lines.

“It’s believed two people on the aircraft have died. Police are working to identify the occupants of the plane,” they said shortly after.

Police will likely liaise with aviation authorities to determine how the crash occurred.

However, Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) CEO Matt Boutell said police were likely to be the sole investigators.

“From our understanding the ATSB likely won’t investigate given it was a recreational aircraft crash,” he said.

“From our perspective (RAAus), we will support NSW Police with technical information or anything else to assist with the investigation.”

Mr Boutell said the crash was a “terrible tragedy”.

The Lilydale property. Picture: Odessa Blain

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families of those involved in this terrible tragedy,” he said.

He said the pair who died were likely the only passengers on-board at the time of the crash given max cabin capacity for recreational flyers.

“The RAAus has 3500 registered aircraft and 10,000 members who take to the skies every day, but sadly from time to time we do see these tragic accidents,” Mr Boutell said.

Grafton resident Nigel Fahey said he had witnessed several light aircraft fly dangerously close to the powerlines at Lilydale.

“When they fly down near the (Upper Clarence) river they’d (the powerlines) would be nearly invisible. The aircraft would have to go under or over them,” he said.

The ATSB is not investigating the Lilydale crash.

Originally published as Young boy and man in 30s dead after plane crash at Lilydale north of Grafton in northern NSW: Police