A seasoned pilot tragically lost his life in a plane crash shortly after eight skydivers exited the aircraft. Paul Smith, an experienced aviator, crashed his light plane into dense bushland near Moruya Airport in New South Wales. The 54-year-old pilot, who was also a skydiving instructor, was alone in the plane at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene. Just moments before the crash, the skydivers safely parachuted from the aircraft as it descended from 14,000 feet.
Detective Inspector Justin Marks described Smith as a well-respected and experienced local resident, emphasizing the tragic nature of the incident within a close-knit community. An investigation report is being prepared for the coroner’s review.
Angus Mitchell from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau mentioned that the skydivers have not been interviewed yet, but witnesses reported hearing unusual sounds and observing an erratic flight pattern before the crash. Authorities have reached out to the Bureau of Meteorology for weather information during the incident.
Chief Commissioner Mitchell disclosed that the aircraft had recently undergone substantial maintenance checks before the crash and had a history of successful flights. A preliminary report to determine the circumstances of the incident may take up to eight weeks.
Paul Smith had over 20 years of flying experience and had supervised more than 20,000 jumps, earning recognition from the Australian Parachute Federation for his contributions to the sport.
In a separate incident, Mexican TV broadcaster Debora Estrella and pilot Bryan Ballesteros tragically lost their lives in a plane crash while flying a two-seater Cessna in Nuevo Leon. Unverified footage circulating on social media captured the plane spiraling out of control before crashing to the ground.
Prior to the accident, Debora had shared a photo of the plane on her Instagram Live stories moments before take-off from Monterrey-Del Norte International Airport.