FULL STORY: Two people had a lucky escape after their aircraft was damaged and caught on fire during an attempted take-off at Dubbo City Regional Airport.
Flying instructor Dan Compton and an unnamed occupant were able to escape without injury.
Strong winds caused the plane to tip and make contact with the runway, according to Dubbo City Regional Airport Operations Manager Lindsay Mason.
“This morning at 9.54am a light aircraft on take-off encountered strong winds which caused it to veer to the right and impact the runway,” Mr Mason said.
“This then caused the aircraft to crash, resulting in the aircraft being destroyed by fire.”
Orana Local Area Command acting inspector Ken Brisbane said police, fire brigade and ambulance units all attended the incident.
“Shortly after 10am this morning emergency services received a call about a light aircraft on fire. On arrival the occupants of light aircraft had removed themselves from the aircraft,” he said.
“During that time the airport was closed. Once the fire was extinguished and the aircraft had been removed from the scene, the airport was reopened for business,” he said.
Mr Mason said the quick and responsible actions from emergency services personnel and airport staff ensured the emergency was properly dealt with.
“The airport was closed for approximately 45 minutes with no interruption to any passenger services. Emergency services responded quickly with the fire extinguished in a matter of minutes,” Mr Mason said.
“We are thankful that the two occupants managed to get out safely with only minor injuries.
“Airport staff were quick to provide support both to emergency services and in getting the airport back to normal operations within the hour.”
The aircraft was towed from the scene by a four-wheel-drive.
Other debris was removed using a forklift.
Acting Inspector Brisbane said the cause of the fire was being investigated.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will also investigate the crash and will release a report with their findings at a later date.
UPDATE: No one has been injured following a light plane crash at Dubbo airport on Monday morning.
Emergency services were called just before 10am after the plane crashed during take off and caught alight.
Occupants of the plane managed to escape the cockpit before it caught alight.
The plane was destroyed in the fire.
EARLIER: Emergency services have rushed to Dubbo Regional Airport on Monday morning.
Reports suggest a light plane was in the process of taking off when it was hit by a cross wind and crashed.
The plane has been destroyed by fire, but no one is believed to have been injured.
Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Police forces are at the scene.
More to come.
Mark Rayner
