# Light aircraft crash near Scone, New South Wales

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/light-aircraft-crash-near-scone-new-south-wales
> Updated: 2026-10-18T18:00:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

On October 16, 2026, a kit-built Aeropup aircraft crashed near the Scone Aerodrome in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales. The two-seater plane, which was on the recreational register, reportedly climbed to approximately 145 meters before losing speed and altitude, entering an uncontrollable spin shortly after takeoff.

Both occupants, identified as 58-year-old Revel Downing and 63-year-old William Simons, were experienced recreational pilots from Western Australia. The men had traveled to New South Wales to inspect and purchase the aircraft, valued at approximately $38,000, with the intention of flying it back to their home state. Both men died on impact.

Emergency services responded to the wreckage site on Bunnan Road, where firefighters reported fuel spills. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and Recreational Aviation Australia have been notified. An investigation into potential causes, such as mechanical error, weather, or pilot error, is being prepared for the coroner.

## Claims

- Revel Downing, 58, died in a plane crash in New South Wales. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- William Simons, 63, died in the same plane crash. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The crash occurred near Scone Aerodrome on Friday, October 16, shortly after takeoff. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The aircraft involved was a two-seater kit-built Aeropup. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been informed of the crash. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The pilots had traveled from Western Australia to New South Wales. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The aircraft was a 2012-built model sold for $38,000. (single source)
- Investigators are considering weather, pilot error, and mechanical error. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: Two pilots killed in Scone light plane crash

Two experienced pilots from Western Australia, Revel Downing and William Simons, died after their kit-built Aeropup aircraft crashed near Scone, NSW, shortly after takeoff on Friday.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/two-pilots-killed-in-scone-light-plane-crash

### 2026-10-16: Two men killed in light plane crash near Scone, NSW

Two men, including Revel Downing, were killed when a kit-built light plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Scone, NSW, on Friday afternoon.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/two-men-killed-in-light-plane-crash-near-scone-nsw

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Cite as: Light aircraft crash near Scone, New South Wales. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/light-aircraft-crash-near-scone-new-south-wales