Three Dead in Fatal Light Plane Crash at Shellharbour Airport

Tragic Incident at Shellharbour Airport

Three individuals have tragically died following a light plane crash at Shellharbour Airport, located near Wollongong, New South Wales, on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The incident occurred around 10:00 AM local time when a privately owned Piper Cherokee Lance aircraft crashed and subsequently caught fire shortly after taking off from the airport. Emergency services were quickly on the scene, but all three occupants perished in the fiery wreckage.

Details of the Crash

According to initial reports, the single-engine aircraft was departing from runway 26 when, shortly after becoming airborne, flight tracking data indicates it veered sharply to the left. Witnesses described the plane reaching an altitude of approximately 30 meters before its left wing dipped, causing it to impact the end of the intersecting runway 16. The impact immediately resulted in a significant fire, which was eventually extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW and local Rural Fire Service (RFS) units. A local RFS unit was reportedly conducting a training exercise at the airport at the time and responded within minutes. Police confirmed that the owner of the plane was among the deceased, though formal identification of the victims is still pending. The plane was reportedly en route to Bathurst.

Investigation Underway

A crime scene has been established at Shellharbour Airport, and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been notified to lead the investigation into the cause of the fatal crash. The ATSB is deploying a team of four transport safety investigators from its Canberra and Melbourne offices, specializing in aircraft operations, maintenance, and engineering. Their work will include a site survey using a drone, detailed examination of the wreckage, and recovery of aircraft components for further analysis at ATSB technical facilities. Investigators will also interview witnesses and involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information, including flight tracking data and aircraft maintenance records. Lake Illawarra Police District Chief Inspector Aaron Wunderlich described the scene as 'quite gruesome' and confirmed that counselling would be offered to first responders and witnesses. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell noted that the crash occurred 'within seconds' of takeoff, suggesting 'something has gone wrong very quickly'.

Community Impact

The crash was witnessed by several individuals, including RFS personnel and members of the public attending an open day hosted by the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) museum at the airport. While the crashed aircraft was not part of the open day's activities, the event brought many people to the vicinity who inadvertently became witnesses to the tragic incident. The local community has expressed profound sadness over the loss of life.