Experienced Aerobatic Pilot and Two Teenagers Killed in Devastating Adelaide Plane Crash
The aviation community and families are mourning the tragic loss of three lives following a catastrophic light aircraft crash near Adelaide. The victims have been identified as highly experienced aerobatic pilot Leo Howard, 57, alongside two teenage boys aged 18 and 19.
Crash Details and Emergency Response
The fatal incident occurred on Friday afternoon when the aircraft plunged into the ocean at Long Bay, approximately 80 kilometers south of Adelaide. South Australian Police confirmed they received reports of the crash near Goolwa South at approximately 4:20pm local time.
Emergency services launched an immediate and extensive response involving Water Police, a helicopter, Sea Rescue teams, and three Country Fire Service vehicles. The wreckage of the plane has since been recovered and brought to shore as part of the ongoing investigation.
Leo Howard: A Respected Aviation Professional
Mr. Howard was listed as the pilot responsible for all aerobatic flights at the local training centre Goolwa Air. The centre's website described him as a 'highly experienced aerobatic pilot with a passion for precision flying and a strong focus on safety.'
Beyond his professional aviation career, Mr. Howard had launched High Spirits Liquor several years ago to sell aviation gin, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit alongside his flying expertise.
Family and Community Tributes
Mr. Howard's sister Mercedes shared heartfelt words with The Advertiser, stating: 'Leo was a highly respected and experienced pilot. He was a loved family man, son, father and brother. We are devastated at this time and send our condolences to the other families involved.'
Friend and trainee Ben Clarke posted a moving tribute on social media alongside a photograph of the pair smiling in a plane cockpit. He wrote: 'Rest in peace my friend. Thank you for showing me a world I had always dreamt of.'
Eyewitness Accounts of the Tragedy
The crash was witnessed by several beach-goers enjoying the coastal area. Couple Jamie Dicker and Ashlee Venaman, who were camping at the Murray Mouth with their children, described the terrifying moments before impact.
Mr. Dicker recounted: 'The sound of the plane's engine caused us to look up. And then we watched as it did four or five circles before it dived into the water with its nose down. Then as soon as the plane hit the water, there was a splash and then the plane disappeared... The water was choppy and it was deep. But I think we would have jumped in if we saw anyone out there, but we didn't.'
Ongoing Investigations
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has taken charge of the investigation, with four specialist investigators attending the scene on Saturday. The team includes experts with backgrounds as pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers, and human factors specialists who will conduct thorough examinations.
South Australian Police will prepare a comprehensive report for the Coroner as authorities work to determine the precise circumstances that led to this devastating aviation accident that claimed three lives.
