Pilot Dies in Skydiving Plane Crash on NSW South Coast
A 54-year-old pilot, identified as Paul "Poo" Smith, a former skydiving company owner and chief instructor, has died after a skydiving plane crashed near Moruya Airport on the NSW South Coast. The crash occurred on Saturday, shortly after 2 pm, west of George Bass Drive in Moruya.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, the plane, a turboprop Pilatus Porter, crashed shortly after taking off and was returning to Moruya Airport after a skydiving drop. Eight skydivers had landed successfully before the incident. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) confirmed that the plane collided with terrain. The pilot, who was the only person on board, was declared dead at the scene.
Investigation and Response
NSW Police have established a crime scene, which will be examined by specialist officers. The ATSB has been notified and is deploying a team of transport safety investigators from its Canberra and Brisbane offices to the accident site. The team specializes in aircraft operations, maintenance, and engineering. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has also been informed and will be participating in the investigation.
ATSB Investigation Process
The ATSB investigators will conduct a thorough evidence-gathering process. This includes a site survey with a drone, wreckage examination, and recovery of any aircraft components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra. Investigators will also interview involved parties and witnesses, and collect relevant recorded information including flight tracking data, pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information. The ATSB is asking anyone with video footage of the aircraft to contact them via their witness reporting page.
Reactions and Statements
Australian Parachute Federation (APF) CEO Stephen Porter expressed his distress, saying, “This is incredibly distressing, and our thoughts and hearts are with everyone at the scene, the pilot’s family and friends, and the entire skydiving community which is in shock.” A SKYONE spokesperson stated that safety is always the highest priority and the focus now must be on understanding what caused the crash. "At SKYONE we do everything we can to make it as safe as possible for everyone. The close-knit skydiving community here is devastated that this has occurred," the spokesperson said.
Past Skydiving Incidents in the Area
This is not the first time the area has seen incidents related to skydiving. There have been multiple incidents in the past, including a fatal incident in November 2008, December 2012, and August 2024. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with skydiving and aviation.
Ongoing Investigation and Reporting
A report will be prepared for the coroner. Anyone with information regarding the crash is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.
