Two men dead after light plane crashes, explodes into flames at Oakey

A pilot and an external flight examiner were killed in what has been described as a ‘terrible tragedy’ when a light plane crashed into a field and burst into flames near Oakey.

A pilot and an external flight examiner were killed in what has been described as a ‘terrible tragedy’ when a light plane crashed into a field and burst into flames near Oakey.

The aircraft belonged to Aero Logistics, with chief executive officer Ben Smee saying on Monday that one of their pilots and an external flight examiner had died.

“This is a terrible tragedy for the two people on-board the aircraft and their families, friends and workmates,” he said.

He said the two were experienced pilots and well-respected by the team.

“This is a devastating loss for everyone who knew them,” he said.

“We have offered our support and assistance to their families as they come to terms with the situation. We have also made counselling services available for our staff.”

Emergency services including Queensland Fire Department and Queensland Police responded to reports of a plane had crashed west of Toowoomba at Oakey, near Oakey Cooyar Rd about 3.10pm on Sunday, July 20.

Toowoomba District duty officer Senior Sergeant Matt Forbes confirmed that the two occupants of the plane were killed in the crash, with initial reports indicating the plane burst into flames on impact.

“There was a very large fireball and Queensland Fire Department did attend and extinguished the fire,” Sergeant Forbes said.

Two people were killed in the light plane crash. Picture: 7 News

“The male occupant of the dwelling, the property owner (where the plane crashed) was home at the time and heard a loud explosion and was able to contact (emergency services).”

Sergeant Forbes said the aircraft was a commercial plane and was conducting a routine flight at the time of the crash.

“A crime scene has been established and the Australian Transport and Safety Bureau will be conducting an investigation with police and other agencies,” he said.

Police said forensic testing was underway to identify the two men who died.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances of the incident and will assist the Australian Transport Safety Bureau with their investigations.

“The current plan is that the crime scene is going to be held for a number of days. There’s obviously a number of inquiries to roll out, including an air crash investigation.”

In a statement the ATSB confirmed that the aircraft was a twin turboprop Reims Cessna F406.

Initial reports indicate that it took off from Warwick Airport earlier in the day, and Sergeant Forbes said that no mayday was made before the plane crashed.

Oakey plane crash, 20 July, 2025.

The suspected crash site is near the Oakey Airport in a farmer’s paddocks, not far from a house surrounded by rolling hills.

“If anyone has seen, the plane or, seen an aircraft in the area, that appeared to be having any mechanical issues or struggling, please contact the police,” Sergeant Forbes said.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has confirmed that a transport safety investigation into the incident has begun with a team of transport safety investigators from its Brisbane and Canberra offices, specialising in aircraft operations and maintenance, are heading to Oakey to probe the cause of the crash.

A plane has crashed and caught fire on the Darling Downs near Oakey, west of Toowoomba on July 20, 2025. Photo: 7 News.

“Investigators will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities, including site and wreckage examination, and recovery of any aircraft components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra,” the statement says.

“Investigators will also seek to interview involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information including flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information.

“The ATSB asks anyone with video footage of the aircraft at any phase of the flight, or in the immediate aftermath of the accident, to make contact via the witness form on our website: atsb.gov.au/witness at their earliest opportunity.”

Two people were killed in the light plane crash. Picture: 7 News

Originally published as Two men dead after light plane crashes, explodes into flames at Oakey