BREAKING NEWS: A plane that vanished over the Snowy Mountains has been located, according to NSW Police. This urgent development comes as the wife of the missing pilot, David Stephens, breaks her silence amid ongoing search efforts under perilous conditions.
The 74-year-old pilot was flying from Wangaratta in northeast Victoria when his aircraft failed to land at Moruya Airport around 4:30 PM on July 15, 2025. After two days of intensive searching, police confirmed that a rescue helicopter found what is believed to be the crashed plane near its last known GPS location at approximately 4 PM on Thursday.
“We have located what is thought to be the aircraft,” a NSW Police spokesperson stated. The search, initially led by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), has now transitioned to police oversight, with further investigations set to continue on Friday.
David Stephens, a respected member of the Sapphire Coast community and the secretary of the Bega Valley aviation club, was reportedly the sole occupant of the plane. His wife, Lynda Stephens, described him as an experienced pilot who took pride in his 1966 Beechcraft Debonair. She expressed her anguish, saying, “David disappeared on his flight home after having his aircraft inspected. We need answers, and we’re hoping for the best.”
The aircraft was reported missing after it did not arrive at Moruya on Tuesday. Lynda noted that her husband might have faced challenging weather, stating, “He must have seen a way over the mountain to decide not to turn back.”
Search teams have faced significant challenges navigating harsh conditions. Police indicated that the plane may have crashed within 500 meters of the Dargals Trail in Kosciuszko National Park, a region known for its rugged and inaccessible terrain. The ground crews are contending with heavy snow and fog as they attempt to reach the site.
Temperatures in the area hovered between five and ten degrees Celsius on Tuesday, with snow showers forecast for higher altitudes. Further showers are expected to hit Friday, with temperatures dipping as low as minus one degree Celsius.
AMSA’s response center duty manager, Dan Gillis, highlighted the difficulties faced by search crews, stating, “The ground crew are having significant challenges with access to the region. The trails are heavily snowed in, making navigation perilous.”
As the search continues, the emotional toll on family and friends remains profound. Lynda Stephens, while hopeful, acknowledges the uncertainty that lies ahead. “We are just praying for him,” she told reporters.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely as additional resources are deployed to the area. Updates on the investigation and search efforts will be provided as new information becomes available.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
