Three killed in horror plane crash

Three people have been killed after a small plane was spotted circling the sky then crashed into a paddock before catching fire in Victoria’s East Gippsland.

Emergency services were called to Hayfield-Upper Maffra Rd at Tinamba West shortly before 6pm on Saturday.

The pilot and two passengers, who are yet to be formally identified, died at the scene and were the only occupants on-board.

Police were told the aircraft was circling the area before it crashed and set on fire.

Several locals reported seeing the plane moments before it went down.

“I heard it circling over my place and it sounded strange,” one woman wrote on Facebook.

Another wrote: “I heard it out in the distance, it didn’t sound right”.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said an investigation has been launched into the incident.

“The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has commenced a transport safety investigation into an accident involving an amateur-built light aircraft at Tinamba West, Victoria, on Saturday,” he said.

“As reported to the ATSB, the aircraft collided with terrain in a paddock and was destroyed in a post impact fire.

“The ATSB is deploying to the accident site a team of transport safety investigators from its Canberra office, specialising in aircraft operations and maintenance.

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

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

“The ATSB anticipates publishing a preliminary report, detailing the information collected in the investigation’s early evidence gathering phase, in about six to eight weeks.”

Queensland resident Gary Hardingham, who previously owned the plane, told the Herald Sun he sold the aircraft to a man two weeks ago.

Five vehicles were still on scene as of 8pm according to Victoria Emergency.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with footage, or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.