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Skydiving Pilot Paul 'Poo' Smith Killed in Moruya Crash as Investigators Arrive

The aircraft went down after a skydiving drop during the return to Moruya Airport.

Overview

  • The single‑engine Pilatus Porter crashed into bushland west of George Bass Drive about 2 kilometres north of Moruya Airport shortly after 2pm on Saturday.
  • The 54‑year‑old pilot, the sole occupant, died at the scene as NSW Police secured the site and began preparing a report for the coroner.
  • ATSB teams from Canberra and Brisbane are on site to examine wreckage, recover components, review flight tracking and maintenance records, and gather witness accounts.
  • The bureau is appealing for any video of the aircraft during the flight or immediately after the accident, while CASA and the Australian Parachute Federation are assisting.
  • Operator SKYONE and the APF expressed shock and emphasised safety, and authorities indicated an update is expected from Batesman Bay Police Station on Sunday.