A seasoned pilot tragically lost his life in a plane crash shortly after eight skydivers had jumped out of the aircraft. Experienced aviator Paul Smith’s light plane crashed into dense bushland near Moruya Airport in New South Wales. The 54-year-old pilot and skydiving instructor was the sole occupant of the aircraft and was pronounced dead at the scene. Prior to the crash, the plane was at an altitude of 14,000 feet when the skydivers safely landed within the airport premises.
Detective Inspector Justin Marks described Paul as a well-respected and experienced local resident, emphasizing the tragic impact of his sudden death on the small community. An investigation report is being prepared for the coroner’s review.
Angus Mitchell from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau mentioned that the skydivers have not been interviewed yet, but witnesses reported hearing unusual noises and observing irregular flight patterns before the crash. Authorities have reached out to the Bureau of Meteorology for details on the weather conditions during the incident.
Chief Commissioner Mitchell disclosed that the aircraft had undergone a significant maintenance check six weeks before the crash and had been in operation since around 1980. A preliminary report to determine the circumstances of the crash may take up to eight weeks.
Paul, with over 20 years of flying experience and supervision of more than 20,000 jumps, was honored by the Australian Parachute Federation for his dedication to the sport last year.
In a separate incident, Mexican news anchor Debora Estrella and pilot Bryan Ballesteros lost their lives in a plane crash while she was attending a flying class in Nuevo Leon. Social media footage showed the small aircraft spiraling out of control before crashing near an industrial estate. Prior to the accident, Debora had shared a photo of the plane on her Instagram Live stories moments before take-off from Monterrey-Del Norte International Airport.