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Date:
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Time:
circa 16:30 Local Time
Type of Aircraft:
Beechcraft 35-C33 Debonair
Owner/Operator:
Private
Registration:
VH-KZK
MSN:
CD-985
Year of Manufacture:
Not specified
Engine Model:
Not specified
Fatalities:
Not confirmed / Occupants: 1
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Aircraft missing
Category:
Accident
Location:
Snowy Mountains area, NSW – Australia
Phase:
En route
Nature:
Private
Departure Airport:
Wangaratta Airport, VIC (WGT/YWGT)
Destination Airport:
Moruya Airport, NSW (MYA/YMRY)
Investigating Agency:
NSW Police / AMSA / ATSB (not yet confirmed)
Confidence Rating:
Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources
Circumstances:
On July 15, 2025, a Beechcraft 35-C33 Debonair aircraft registered VH-KZK and carrying one occupant went missing while en route from Wangaratta Airport, VIC to Moruya Airport, NSW. The aircraft was last detected over the Snowy Mountains region, east of Khancoban, New South Wales, around 16:30 local time.
Emergency services were notified when the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination. A coordinated search and rescue effort was launched involving the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), NSW Police, the State Emergency Service (SES), NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Snowy Hydro personnel, and various air support teams.
Search operations were severely hampered by poor visibility, rugged terrain, and snowfalls affecting the alpine region. Aerial search operations were temporarily suspended on July 16 due to weather conditions, while ground teams continued efforts around suspected crash areas including Dargals Trail.
The aircraft wreckage has since been located, and NSW Police now have carriage of the matter. A formal investigation and a report for the coroner are expected to follow.
Sources:
ABC News, AMSA, NSW Police, ABC South East NSW
Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.