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52m ago

Paul ‘Poo’ Smith Identified in Fatal Moruya Skydiving Plane Crash

Investigators are collecting evidence at the cordoned site ahead of a coroner's report.

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Moruya Airport, near where the plane crashed. Picture Eurobodalla Shire Council

Overview

  • A Pilatus Porter turboprop crashed in bushland west of George Bass Drive about 2 kilometres from Moruya Airport shortly after 2pm on Saturday, killing the 54-year-old pilot.
  • The aircraft was returning to land after a skydiving run, with eight jumpers having exited and landed safely beforehand.
  • The ATSB has deployed investigators from Canberra and Brisbane to examine wreckage, gather records and interview witnesses, with CASA and NSW Police involved.
  • Authorities have appealed for video or other footage of the aircraft during the flight or immediately after the crash and expect to provide an update later on Sunday.
  • The Australian Parachute Federation and operator SKYONE paid tribute to Smith, describing him as a highly experienced instructor with more than 10,000 pilot-in-command hours and pledging full cooperation with the inquiry.