UPDATE: Authorities confirm that the missing pilot of a light aircraft that crashed in Budawang National Park is unlikely to have survived the impact. Outside Ulladulla Police Station, Detective Chief Inspector David Cockram stated that the pilot’s chances of survival are grim, based on insights from air traffic controllers and air safety experts.
The plane, which left Bankstown Flying School at 11:15 AM on September 18, 2023, lost contact with radar around 2:50 PM while flying over the national park, approximately 25 kilometers north-west of Batemans Bay. A distress signal was issued just before the aircraft vanished from sight.
Rescue operations have been hampered by challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions. “It’s pretty full-on bush terrain,” Inspector Cockram noted, adding that fog last night obstructed aerial access to the crash site. Despite significant resources being deployed, including a rescue helicopter, firefighters, and paramedics, the site is reportedly inaccessible on foot.
As of this morning, emergency services resumed efforts to reach the crash site, with hopes of conducting an assessment by this afternoon. “I think our people will be in there and able to do an assessment of what’s happened,” Inspector Cockram stated. He emphasized the need for careful recovery operations due to safety concerns surrounding various parts of the aircraft.
Local authorities have expressed deep concern over the situation, highlighting the emotional toll on family and friends awaiting news. The ongoing search and rescue mission underlines the urgency of the situation as the community rallies in support.
As developments unfold, police and rescue services continue to monitor conditions closely, aiming to recover the aircraft and provide closure to loved ones. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
