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A pilot has tragically lost his life after two aircraft collided mid-air in a shocking aviation accident.
The two light planes crashed while in flight, plummeting to the ground in the bushland of Sydney‘s southwest.
Eddie Seve sadly passed away in the tragic collisionCredit: Aero Circus
His body was retrieved from the crash site on Sunday afternoonCredit: 7NEWS
Emergency services responded to the scene following reports of the crash that came in shortly after midday on Sunday.
The pilot, identified as Eddie Seve from Sydney Hills, was recovered a short time later.
It is believed he was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
The second pilot, Ollie Geragthy, was able to land safely at the airfield and escaped without injuries.
Two crime scenes were established as the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) initiated an investigation in collaboration with New South Wales Police.
A spokesperson from NSW Police stated: “Members of the public are advised to avoid the area.”
Witnesses or anyone with information regarding the crash have been encouraged to come forward.
The ATSB disclosed that the two light planes were part of a group of four involved in an acrobatic formation flight.
They were returning to the airfield when the fatal collision occurred.
The pilots were members of the Freedom Formation Display Team, the largest formation aerobatic display team in the Southern Hemisphere.
On Sunday afternoon, the team issued a statement.
“The Freedom Formation Team can sadly confirm that there has been an incident involving some of our aircraft today in Sydney’s southwest,” it stated.
“We are working to fully support the relevant authorities as they coordinate the emergency response.
“We are also providing support to team members and their families.”
Investigators are set to analyze the wreckage before conducting site mapping.
Any relevant components recovered will be sent to the bureau’s facilities in Canberra for examination.
An ATSB spokesperson mentioned that the other pilots will be interviewed as part of the investigation.
“They will also gather pertinent recorded information, including air traffic control and flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records and weather information,” the spokesperson added.
FAQs
What caused the plane collision?
The exact cause of the collision is under investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
Was anyone else injured in the accident?
The second pilot, Ollie Geragthy, managed to land safely and was uninjured.
What is the Freedom Formation Display Team?
The Freedom Formation Display Team is the largest formation aerobatic display team in the Southern Hemisphere.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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