Pilot dies in mid-air collision between two planes in southwest Sydney
The second light plane landed safely at the airfield with its pilot uninjured.
A pilot has died after two small planes collided in the air in Sydney’s outer southwest on Sunday.
Emergency services responded to reports of a plane crash near the Napperfield Airfield, in Wedderburn, about 12.15pm.
Two light planes collided mid-air, police were told, before one of the planes crashed nearby in bushland.
Emergency services soon discovered the body of the pilot, who was named as Eddie Seve, Channel 9 reported.
He was part of the Freedom Formation Display Team, which confirmed on Facebook its aircraft was involved.
The second plane landed safely at the airfield, with its pilot uninjured.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said the plane was returning to land when the collision took place.
“One of the aircraft involved in the collision landed safely but the other aircraft collided with terrain and its pilot was fatally injured,” the ATSB statement said.
Two crime scenes were established at the location.
“No further information is available at this stage,” NSW police said in a statement.
An investigation will be undertaken by the ATSB. ATSB safety investigators were en route to the crash scene, where they will begin to collect evidence.
“Over coming days, investigators will undertake site mapping, examine aircraft wreckage and damage, and recover any relevant components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra,” the bureau statement said.
Investigators will also speak to the other pilots involved in the formation flight, along with other witnesses and involved parties.
“They will also collect relevant recorded information, including any air traffic control and flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information,” the ATSB statement said.
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