Tragic Training Flight Crash of Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP near Brownlow Hill, NSW – Australia

Date:
24-JAN-2024

Time:
c. 15:10 LT

Type of Aircraft:
Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP

Owner/Operator:
Altocap Pty Ltd

Registration:
VH-CPQ

MSN:
172S8629

Year of Manufacture:
2000

Engine Model:
Textron Lycoming IO-360-L2A

Fatalities:
1 / Occupants: 1

Aircraft Damage:
Destroyed

Location:
near Brownlow Hill, NSW – Australia

Phase:
Approach

Nature:
Training

Departure Airport:
Camden Airfield, NSW (CDU/YSCN)

Destination Airport:
Camden Airfield, NSW (CDU/YSCN)

Circumstances:

**A tragic accident occurred near Brownlow Hill, NSW, involving a Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP, registered to Altocap Pty Ltd. The aircraft, piloted by a 16-year-old student, crashed in a field during a training flight from Camden Airfield. According to reports, the pilot had requested to land just three minutes into the flight but lost contact with the control tower shortly after. The aircraft was found crashed in a paddock, 3km away from its take-off point at Camden Airport. Despite quick response from emergency services, the young pilot, the sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene. This accident marks a heartbreaking event in the local aviation community, and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has commenced an investigation. A forensic examination of the crash site is ongoing, and a report will be prepared for the coroner. Witnesses and anyone with information about the plane’s flight path are being urged to contact authorities.**