Two men have died after a light plane crash near Oakey, west of Toowoomba in Queensland, Australia, on Sunday afternoon. The aircraft, a twin turboprop Reims Cessna F406 owned by Aero Logistics, crashed into a grassy area at Devon Park, igniting a large fireball on impact.
The victims have been identified as an Aero Logistics pilot and an external flight examiner. Ben Smee, the chief executive of Aero Logistics, expressed deep sadness, stating the men were experienced pilots and well-respected by colleagues. The company has offered support to the families and counselling services to staff.
Police confirmed the aircraft burst into flames upon impact, with Queensland Fire Department extinguishing the blaze. Senior Sergeant Matt Forbes reported that the property owner heard a loud explosion, prompting the emergency call. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will transport the wreckage to its Canberra facility for examination.
Aero Logistics has suspended all flight operations pending the investigation, which the company says will be fully supported. The ATSB urges anyone with video footage of the aircraft before or after the crash to come forward. The cause of the accident remains unknown, but safety is a priority for all parties involved.
