A tragic scene unfolded at Parafield Airport in Adelaide’s north after a light aircraft crashed into a hangar on Wednesday afternoon, killing two people and injuring several others on the ground. The Diamond DA42 twin‑engine plane struck the structure at around 2:10pm, erupting into a fierce blaze that sent thick black smoke billowing across nearby suburbs.
Police confirmed that the pilot and passenger of the aircraft died on impact. Chief Inspector Andrew McCracken said the crash occurred “shortly after take‑off,” with the collision causing “significant injuries and fire and damage” inside the hangar. Several people who were on the ground at the time were also hurt, though the extent of their injuries has not yet been detailed.
The Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) battled intense flames fuelled by a large quantity of aviation fuel stored inside the hangar. MFS chief officer Jeff Swann said the situation was made more difficult when the crash damaged the building’s fire hydrant and sprinkler system, creating a water shortage at a critical moment. Three aircraft inside the hangar were also damaged.
A total of 57 MFS firefighters, supported by a Country Fire Service crew, worked to bring the blaze under control. Authorities earlier urged residents in surrounding areas to stay indoors due to the heavy smoke.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a full investigation. Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said specialist investigators will arrive from interstate on Thursday morning. Over the coming days, they will examine the crash site, inspect the wreckage and recover key components for further analysis at ATSB facilities in Canberra.
As emergency crews secure the area and investigators prepare to begin their work, the incident has left the aviation community and local residents shaken, with many questions still unanswered about what caused the fatal crash.
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