Two men killed in light plane crash near Scone, NSW

Two men died at the scene following a light aircraft crash near the Scone Aerodrome in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales on Friday afternoon. One of the deceased has been identified as 58-year-old Revel Downing.

Flight tracking data suggests the kit-built aircraft climbed to approximately 145 meters before rapidly losing speed and altitude. It is believed the plane entered an uncontrollable spin shortly after takeoff before hitting the ground near Bunnan Road. The two occupants had reportedly traveled from Western Australia to inspect and purchase the recreational aircraft, which was valued at approximately $38,000.

Emergency services, including police, ambulance, and fire crews, responded to the scene just before 2:00 PM. Firefighters reported fuel spills at the wreckage site. While the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been notified, the bureau noted it does not typically investigate accidents involving recreational aircraft under Australia’s recreational aviation system. Investigations into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.