Man dies in aircraft crash at Koo Wee Rup airfield

A misplaced helmet may have contributed to the aircraft crash that killed a Burwood pilot in an Easter Sunday tragedy at Koo Wee Rup.

A police helicopter at the microlight aircraft site. Picture: David Geraghty

An experienced pilot has died in a horror aircraft crash within minutes of takeoff in Melbourne’s southeast.

The 52-year-old man from Burwood was killed in the Easter Sunday tragedy on a recreational airfield at Koo Wee Rup about 6.45am.

The pilot, who was flying a weight-shift microlight aircraft, reached the height of surrounding trees before he experienced “technical difficulties” and crashed to the ground.

An emergency services call suggested a misplaced helmet could have contributed to the crash.

“The cause of the accident is that the patient has forgot to put his helmet on,” the call, aired by Seven News, said.

“The helmet has gone through the propeller and taken out the wings.”

Victoria Police Acting Inspector Glen Finlay said a witness watching from the airfield called emergency services.

The remains of the microlight aircraft that crashed into a field. Picture: David Geraghty

Mr Finlay said the witness was experiencing “a bit of shock, a bit of trauma, a bit of bewilderment about what’s happened”.

The pilot was the only occupant of the one-seater aircraft and was pronounced dead at the scene.

“He is, by all accounts, an experienced pilot and does have the necessary qualifications and experience to be flying,” Mr Finlay said.

Police said there was no indication that weather conditions had contributed to the crash.

“Thoughts go out to the families and loved ones of the deceased person and the people who have potentially witnessed the crash,” Mr Finlay said. “It’s this time of year, Easter, when people are spending time with their families, so be mindful of that in your travels.”

State Emergency Service crews and a police helicopter on Sunday morning searched for debris that could provide clues to the cause of the crash.

Police were also establishing who owned the aircraft and whether it was linked to a nearby helicopter business.

Iain Clarke from the Sports Aviation Federation of Australia, which governs ultralight gliding, confirmed the victim was a member.

“The pilot was quite experienced, unfortunately he was killed on impact and our thoughts and condolences are extended to his family and friends at this time,” Mr Clarke said.

“SAFA are assisting police with this investigation and at this point in time it’s too early to say what’s occurred.”

Police will prepare a report for the coroner with assistance from SAFA.

Originally published as Man dies in aircraft crash at Koo Wee Rup airfield