Friday 16 October 2026
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Australia

Two men die in light plane crash at Scone in NSW Upper Hunter

Kit-built recreational aircraft came down in paddock near aerodrome; ATSB investigators called in

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time1 min
Sources4 outlets
Two men have died after a light plane crashed into a paddock near Scone Aerodrome in the NSW Upper Hunter on Friday afternoon, prompting investigations by police, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and the coroner.

Emergency crews were called to Bunnan Road near Scone Aerodrome, about 150 kilometres north-west of Newcastle, at about 1:55pm. Police said the two occupants of the plane died at the scene, with inquiries now underway to identify the men.

A crime scene has been established and will be examined by specialist officers. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said the aircraft involved was a kit-built aircraft on the recreational register. Recreational Aviation Australia, the national body for sport and recreational flying, has also been informed.

Upper Hunter Mayor Pat Ryan said he was contacted about the incident by the local airport general manager. "It looks like the aircraft has crashed adjacent to the airport on private property," he said. "Police are on the scene … sounds like a very tragic accident."

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The deaths highlight risks associated with kit-built and recreational aircraft, which are not subject to the same certification standards as commercial planes.
  • The ATSB investigation will examine whether design, maintenance or pilot factors contributed to the crash.
  • The local community in Scone has lost two people in a sudden and tragic event close to the town's airport.

Background

Recreational and kit-built aircraft in Australia operate under a separate regulatory framework from commercial aviation, administered by bodies such as Recreational Aviation Australia. When a serious incident occurs, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau conducts an independent investigation to establish the circumstances and issue safety recommendations, without apportioning blame.

Key Perspectives

Police and emergency services: The immediate priority is recovering and identifying the two victims, securing the crash site and preparing evidence for the coroner. Australian Transport Safety Bureau: Investigators will focus on the aircraft's construction, maintenance and the circumstances of the flight to determine what led to the crash. Upper Hunter community: Mayor Pat Ryan expressed the gravity of the event, describing it as a "very tragic accident" on private property adjacent to the aerodrome.

What to Watch

  • The ATSB's preliminary findings, which typically identify whether the aircraft came down during take-off, landing or a manoeuvre near the aerodrome.
  • Confirmation of the identities of the two men, which police have not yet released.
  • Any safety recommendations that emerge from the investigation for kit-built or recreational aircraft.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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