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IN PHOTO: Australian firemen inspect the wreckage of a light plane after it crashed into a boat parked near in a factory carpark, killing four people in Sydney's western suburbs, on May 5, 2002. The plane reportedly was involved in a mid-air collision with another plane which managed to land safely at a nearby airport. Reuters/Jeff Herbert

An amateur-built Glasair SH-2FT plane crashed at the Wedderburn Airport in New South Wales on Sunday, July 19, 2015. The pilot, Colleen Keen, 59, of Kurrajong Hills reportedly died at the scene. The female passenger and sole survivor was identified as 56-year-old Rachel Lumb of Kirrawee. Lumb, who is also a pilot, was flown to Liverpool Hospital and is still in the intensive care unit after suffering multiple injuries.

ABC News reports that the light plane crashed in bushland near the airstrip at Wedderburn Airport in south-west Sydney. The airport is operated by the New South Wales Sports Aircraft Club. The crash site was just a few metres from Lysaght Road and the plane reportedly hit the ground at around 5:00 p.m AEST.

Daily Telegraph reports that Bret Cavanagh, president of the NSW Sport Aircraft Club, said that club members were shocked by the plane crash but they wished to forward their gratitude to the people who immediately responded to the incident.

“We are cooperating with police and Australian Transport and Safety Bureau investigators to determine the facts around the accident. We will not speculate on causes until the investigation is completed,” Cavanagh said.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is currently investigating the crash site and the cause of the mishap. The police closed Lysaght Road at Blackburn Road to examine the area. A report is expected from the coroner. Detective Inspector Greg Inger said that the flight seemed to be a demonstration flight that took off from Wedderburn Airport and was supposed to return to the strip when the crash happened.

Mal Christie, the Investigator-in-Charge, will delve into the factual information of the incident and will also outline the process of investigation. Four investigators have been sent by the ATSB to the crash site and are expected to work at the area for two to three days. The investigators are experts in aircraft engineering, aircraft operations and human factors. They are also looking for witness reports that can aid in investigation. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the ATSB by calling 1800 020 616.

To contact the writer of this story, send an email to v.doctor@ibtimes.com.au.

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