A tragic accident at Shellharbour Airport in New South Wales claimed the lives of three people on Saturday morning, October 11. The light aircraft went down around 10 a.m. local time, crashing shortly after takeoff and bursting into flames upon impact.
Police confirmed that the plane was engulfed in fire immediately after hitting the ground. Fire and Rescue NSW units, already nearby for training exercises with the Rural Fire Service, rushed to the scene and quickly brought the blaze under control. However, all three people on board were found dead inside the wreckage.
Shellharbour Airport, located about 85 kilometers south of Sydney, was the site of chaos as witnesses reported the aircraft appeared to lose control moments after attempting to land or stabilize. The crash scattered debris across the runway, with the plane breaking into several pieces. Inspector Andrew Barber of Fire and Rescue NSW said the fire spread so rapidly that rescuers had no chance of saving the occupants.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Early indications suggest the aircraft may have suffered a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff, though officials stressed that the exact cause will only be determined after a detailed inquiry.
The incident has left the local community shaken. Residents reported hearing a loud boom and seeing smoke rising from the airport. Many expressed fear about safety at the regional airfield, which is often used for training and small aircraft operations.
Airport authorities have announced that operations will remain partially restricted until the investigation is complete. The tragedy has not only raised concerns about aviation safety but also cast a shadow over the tight-knit community of Shellharbour, where the victims are being mourned.
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