A training flight ended in tragedy on Wednesday afternoon when a Diamond DA42 twin-engine aircraft crashed into a hangar at Parafield Airport, killing two and injuring several others.
A Diamond DA42 twin-engined training aircraft crashed into a hangar at Parafield Airport in Adelaide's northern suburbs on Wednesday afternoon, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff and sparked a large fire, prompting a significant emergency response and the closure of the airport.
Incident Timeline
- Time and Location: The crash occurred at approximately 2:10-2:11 PM local time on Wednesday. The aircraft was conducting circuit training and had been airborne for a short time when it crashed into Hangar 54, located near Kings Road.
- Sequence: According to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the aircraft began a left roll soon after takeoff, continued past 180 degrees, and struck the building. The impact caused a large fire, which was intensified by fuel and damaged the hangar's fire suppression systems.
- Witness Accounts: A witness reported the aircraft narrowly missed the airport's fuel depot, located approximately 50 meters away. Dr. Dahn Tran, whose clinic is near the crash site, reported hearing explosions and providing assistance to a severely burned man.
Casualties
- Fatalities: The pilot and passenger, both occupants of the aircraft, were declared dead at the scene due to significant injuries. The deceased have been identified as:
- Robert “Rob” Hoyle, 29, a flight instructor.
- A 24-year-old student pilot.
- Injuries: Ten airport ground crew and personnel inside the hangar were taken to hospital. Injuries include:
- One 55-year-old man with life-threatening burns.
- Two individuals hospitalized with serious injuries.
- One person with minor injuries.
- Six people treated for smoke inhalation.
- As of Thursday, two remain hospitalized; eight have been discharged.
Emergency Response
- Firefighting: The Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) responded with 55 firefighters and 14 trucks. The fire was complicated by a compromised water supply and an inoperative hangar sprinkler system. The blaze was ultimately extinguished.
- Evacuations: The immediate area was evacuated. A large number of student pilots were evacuated from the scene by firefighters. The airport was closed to all air traffic.
Investigation
- Agency: The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is leading the investigation. A team of specialists in aircraft operations, maintenance, engineering, human factors, and survival factors is deploying from interstate and arriving on Thursday morning.
- Scope: Investigators will examine the wreckage, recover aircraft components, interview witnesses, and collect flight data, CCTV footage, maintenance records, and weather information. Engine components will be sent to Canberra for analysis.
- Context: This incident is the second light plane crash at Parafield Airport in recent months. A previous incident in January resulted in no injuries. A separate incident on the preceding Monday involved a small aircraft experiencing a heavy landing and catching fire; the pilot was uninjured.
- Public Appeal: The ATSB is requesting anyone with video footage of the crash or its immediate aftermath to contact them via their website.
- Preliminary Report: A preliminary report is expected in six to eight weeks.
Official Statements
- South Australia Police (Chief Inspector Andrew McCracken): Confirmed the crash occurred shortly after takeoff, causing significant injuries, fire, and damage.
- ATSB (Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell): Confirmed the aircraft was conducting circuit training and that the instructor and student lost their lives.
- SA Police (Commissioner Grant Stevens): Stated the incident is having a massive impact on families.
- South Australian Premier (Peter Malinauskas): Expressed condolences to affected families and thanked first responders.