Light plane crashes in southern NSW on return to Sydney

2 hours ago 1

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A multi-agency search has found the wreckage of a light plane which crashed in the state’s south after leaving Bankstown Airport on Thursday morning.

The pilot, a man believed to be in his 60s, sent a distress signal from the aircraft while travelling over the Budawang National Park between Batemans Bay and Canberra.

The light plane crashed in the Budawang National Park on its return to Bankstown Airport.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority and NSW Toll Ambulance helicopter launched a search for the aircraft.

NSW Ambulance confirmed its helicopter located the wreckage in the Budawang National Park just before 5pm. Police said emergency services were attempting to reach the crash site on foot as it could not be accessed by vehicle or aircraft due to difficult terrain and weather conditions.

The aircraft was conducting a training exercise with the Bankstown Flying School, according to Nine News. After taking off at 11am, it flew south into Victoria before making its way north to complete the route.

It was scheduled to return to Bankstown at 3.30pm but disappeared from the radar about 2.50pm.

Bankstown Flying School has been contacted for comment.

Police have taken over the search but have yet to reach the crash site and confirm the pilot’s condition.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed it was gathering further information on the crash.