Horror as aircraft crashes in Victoria
Written by admin on October 22, 2024
Emergency services have grave concerns for passengers on board a light plane which crashed in an airfield in western Victoria.
The crash occurred about 11.20am on Tuesday on Aerodrome Road, Parwan, near Bacchus Marsh, 50kms northwest of Melbourne.
Police, firefighters, paramedics and SES crews are currently on the scene, with the exact circumstances surrounding the crash yet to be determined.
The Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome, which operates a gliding club and flying school, is currently owned by Moorabool Shire Council but operated by Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Management, have been informed about the incident.
Chief executive Derek Madden confirmed the council was “aware of the awful situation at the aerodrome”.
“While investigations are continuing, we can’t make any further comment, but our thoughts are with all involved,” Mr Madden said.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has commenced a transport safety investigation into the crash involving a Cessna 150 light aircraft.
ATSB received a report that shortly after takeoff from Bacchus Marsh, the aircraft descended and collided with terrain in paddock adjacent to airport.
“The ATSB is deploying transport safety investigators from its Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney offices, specialising in aircraft maintenance and operations,” the spokesperson said.
Investigators will gather evidence from the site and examine the wreckage, as well as map the area with a drone and recover any aircraft components to examine at the ATSB facilities in Canberra.
They would also like to speak with any witnesses, collect recorded information including flight tracking data, pilot and maintenance records and weather information.
Police have closed off access to the aerodrome, shutting Aerodrome Rd and Skylark Way while the investigation continues.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have been contacted for comment.
Police said more information will be provided when it is appropriate to do so.
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