Freight Plane Crashes in Broome, Pilot Dies
A 27-year-old pilot on board a Golden Eagle twin engine freight plane died when his aircraft crashed Thursday midnight in Broome.
Initial reports indicate there was no other passenger on board. The pilot's name has yet to be released by authorities. It is understood news of his death is now being relayed to his family.
Officials say the plane was reported out of the radar shortly after taking off from Broome airport.
Concert interrupted, attendees safe from danger
Incidentally, an estimated 1,400 concert-goers were not too far away from where the plane wreckage and the pilot's body were recovered.
The concert being held was presented by Tura New Music and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. It features violinist Richard Tognetti, Mark Atkins and Steve Pigram. Concert organisers decided to have an early interval as emergency services made their way to the wreckage.
Speaking to Herald Sun, a concert-goer said: "My friend next to me pointed out the strange noise of a plane close by, but living in Broome we were used to having planes constantly fly over but never this close to the amphitheatre."
Jill Lyall, another concert attendee, said she initially had no idea what was going on.
"I didn't hear anything at all and wondered why everyone was looking toward the beach just before interval, then all the emergency cars came down the road to the beach," she told PerthNow.
"They stopped the concert and told us there'd been a plane crash out on Cable Beach and we had the interval early."
Official statement: Golden Eagle Airlines
Golden Eagle Airlines said the crash is its first tragedy in 22 years. The ill-fated plane, a Piper Seneca, was on a regular freight flight from Broome to Port Hedland last night.
"Golden Eagle Airlines is mourning the loss of a friend and pilot. Our condolences go out to his family and friends," the company said.
Rescue officers found wreckage of the plane about two kilometres south of Cable Beach.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is expected to look into the crash site and find out the cause of the crash.
Police are requesting anyone with information about the crash to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.