Fatal Accident – TL Ultralight TL-2000 Sting S4 near Nambucca Heads, New South Wales, Australia – January 4, 2025

Date:

January 4, 2025

Time:

c. 16:00 LT

Type of Aircraft:

TL Ultralight TL-2000 Sting S4

Owner/Operator:

Midcoast Microlights

Registration:

23-1677

MSN:

19ST485

Year of Manufacture:

[Information not provided]

Engine Model:

[Information not provided – typically a Rotax 912]

Fatalities:

2 / Occupants: 2

Other Fatalities:

0

Aircraft Damage:

Destroyed

Location:

1.5 km SE of Nambucca Heads, NSW – Australia

Phase:

En route

Nature:

Private

Departure Airport:

Coffs Harbour Airport, NSW (CFS/YCFS)

Destination Airport:

South West Rocks Airport, NSW (YSWK)

Confidence Rating:

Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources

Circumstances:

A TL Ultralight TL-2000 Sting S4 crashed into the ocean near Nambucca Heads, New South Wales, resulting in the tragic deaths of both occupants. The ultralight was en route from Coffs Harbour Airport to South West Rocks Airport when the accident occurred.

The pilot, Mark White, 67, was an experienced flight instructor and owner of Midcoast Microlights, a flight school operating out of Coffs Harbour. The passenger, Simon Peutrill, 69, was also an experienced pilot and instructor.

Witnesses reported hearing the aircraft flying at a low altitude and with the engine struggling for power shortly before the crash. The ultralight went down approximately 1.5 kilometers southeast of Nambucca Heads, and both occupants were tragically killed.

The wreckage of the ultralight was recovered in difficult conditions near Scott’s Head Beach. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is assisting with the investigation, along with officers from the Mid North Coast police district and Marine Area Command. 1 A report is being prepared for the coroner.

The investigation will focus on determining the cause of the crash and any contributing factors. This will likely include examining the wreckage, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing any available flight data or maintenance records.