URGENT UPDATE: The skydiving community is mourning the loss of Paul ‘Poo’ Smith, a celebrated skydiving legend and experienced pilot, who tragically died in a plane crash near Moruya Airport on the South Coast of New South Wales. The incident occurred shortly after 2 PM on Saturday, when Smith’s light aircraft crashed in bushland west of George Bass Drive.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, approximately 305 kilometers south of Sydney, but unfortunately, Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses confirmed that the crashed aircraft was used for skydiving operations, leading to immediate shock within the local and national skydiving community.
Paul Smith, aged 54, was not just a pilot; he was a cornerstone of the Australian skydiving scene. With nearly 40 years of experience, he had earned over 10,000 hours of flight experience, specializing in flying skydivers. Smith was known for his extensive contributions to the sport, including owning a successful skydiving company and serving as a test jumper for Parachutes Australia in the early 1990s.
In recognition of his achievements, the Australian Parachute Federation recently awarded him the prestigious title of Master of Sport Parachuting. Their heartfelt tribute praised him as an “impressive and inspirational” figure in the sport.
As the investigation into the crash unfolds, authorities from the South Coast Police District are working to determine the cause of this tragic accident. The loss of Paul ‘Poo’ Smith is felt deeply, and memorials are expected to be held in his honor.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story continues to unfold.
