A farmer witnessed the moment his friends’ plane crash-landed on his property near Tomahawk.
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A 63-year-old woman was in the Cessna 182 with a 68-year-old man when the aircraft reportedly hit a tree and went down on the Boobyalla property on Saturday afternoon.
The woman died from her injuries.
The man was taken to the Launceston General Hospital by ambulance where he remained on Sunday night in a stable condition, having suffered “minor injuries” in the crash.
It is understood the Sheffield locals were on their way to the North-East farm for a visit.
A Tomahawk man who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, but wished to remain anonymous, said the woman was “in a bad way” and appeared to have “significant head injuries”.
“The man appeared to be in quite a bit of shock,” he said.
“The plane itself was mostly intact. I just feel bad for the property owner, he witnessed it all.”
Tasmania Police North-East Inspector Michael Johnston said it was not yet clear who was flying the plane at the time of the crash.
“We still have a bit of work to do to determine who was flying and who was the passenger,” he said.
“There is obviously a significant investigation to be undertaken. We will hopefully know more in the near future.”
Four investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau arrived from Melbourne about midday Sunday to examine the wreckage and interview witnesses.
Ambulance Tasmania, SES, Tasmania Fire Service crews from George Town and Scottsdale and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were at the scene on Saturday night, as well as Tasmania Police forensic officers who returned to the site on Sunday.
Inspector Johnston said police were working with ATSB investigators and a report would be prepared for the coroner.
- Anyone with information or who witnessed the crash should contact ATSB on 1800 020 616.
Melissa Mobbs
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
