Probe into plane crash
Police inspect microlight after pilot killed
A MICROLIGHT aircraft that crashed at a private airstrip near Port Douglas, killing the male pilot, has been seized by police for investigations.
The tragic crash occurred at Paddy’s Air Field, Craiglie, about 5.30pm on October 4, when the 66-year-old pilot was believed to have been preparing to takeoff.
Police have revealed that the aircraft crashed at the opposing end of the airstrip and Neil Ashman, who was the sole occupant, died at the scene. No one else was injured.
He has been described as “a well-liked member of the Port Douglas Microlighting community”.
Crash investigator Senior Constable Stephanie Young said the Hang Gliding Federation of Australia was assisting police with their investigation, but it could still be some time before the cause of the crash was determined.
“We were finished up at the site about 1am after the crash and then we’ve towed the aircraft to have it inspected,” Sen-Constable Young said.
“We’ve got to have the microlight inspected so that’s what we’re trying to organise at the moment.
“Basically to see if it was mechanically OK or whether it’s a case of pilot error, we’re just trying to figure that all out.”
HGFA acting operations manager Peter Allen said upon completion of the investigation the organisation would prepare a report for the coroner and continue their work to improve safety for all members.
In the meantime, the Cairns Forensic Crash Unit is also continuing investigations into a double fatal truck crash near Davies Creek, which occurred on September 13.
The horror crash claimed the life of Innisfail man Chris Kurzy and a fellow Blenners Transport employee who has not yet been named.
“We’ve identified a couple of areas of concern,” officer-incharge Sergeant Scott Ezard said.
“We’re definitely getting close to what the cause was, but we just need to continue with our investigation.”
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