VH-XDR – Substantial damage of a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee at Shepparton Airport (YSHT), Kialla, VIC

Date & Time:

15-AUG-2023

Type of aircraft:

Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee

Operator:

Private

Flight Phase:

Standing

Flight Type:

Private

Total Occupants:

0

Total fatalities:

0

Circumstances:

On Tuesday, August 15, in the early hours, a small plane was engulfed in flames at Shepparton Airport. The incident was first brought to attention when a passer-by saw the plane ablaze around 12:20 am and alerted the emergency services. The location was specified as Goulburn Valley Hwy, Kialla.

Responding to the emergency, teams from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) arrived promptly. They managed to contain and control the fire in roughly 15 minutes. At the moment the fire broke out, the plane was stationed outside the hangars on the airport tarmac.

The aircraft, identified as a Piper Cherokee light plane, suffered substantial damage. Its front end was utterly incinerated.

Although the initial assumption, as per an FRV representative, was that a fuel leak from the plane might have triggered the fire, the definitive cause remained unclear. Later that day, Detective Senior Constable Jess Williams from the Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit announced that they would be examining the incident. She highlighted that the cause was yet to be determined, and an expert arson chemist would be evaluating the scene for further clues.

By the late morning of the same day, the charred remains of the plane were still present on the tarmac, with a police vehicle stationed close by to monitor the area.

For further information or insights regarding the incident, individuals are urged to reach out to Detective Senior Constable Williams at 5820 5777.