The pilot of a plane that crashed at Victoria’s Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome earlier today has died.
Victoria Police said the light aircraft lost control and crashed into an airfield near the Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome in Parwan, west of Melbourne, just before 11:30am.
The male pilot is yet to be formally identified and was the sole occupant.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has begun a transport investigation into the incident and said the plane was a Cessna 150 light aircraft
“Shortly after take-off from Bacchus Marsh, the aircraft descended and collided with terrain in a paddock adjacent to the airport,” the ATSB said in a statement.
“Investigators will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities on site, including wreckage examination, site mapping with a drone and recovery of any relevant aircraft components for further examination.”
A team of investigators from Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney offices had been deployed to the site.
The ATSB wants to interview witnesses and involved parties and will collect flight tracking data, pilot, weather information and aircraft maintenance records
The Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome is owned by Moorabool Shire Council and is operated by Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome Management (BMAM).
The site is known for its flying school and gliding clubs.
“We are aware of the awful situation at the aerodrome,” council’s chief executive Derek Madden said.
“While investigations are continuing we can’t make any further comment, but our thoughts are with all involved.”
