Aerobatic pilot killed after small planes collide midair in Sydney

An experienced display pilot has died after two light planes collided midair near an airfield in Sydney’s south-west.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the crash near Napperfield Airfield at Wedderburn, near Appin, just before midday on Sunday.

Police were told two light aircraft – both Van’s Aircraft RV-7s – crashed, sending one plummeting into bushland.

Nine News has reported that the pilot of the crashed plane was Eddie Seve from Sydney’s Hills District, and that his body was recovered from the crash site. He was the only occupant of the plane.

The other pilot was able to land safely at the airfield and was uninjured, with two crime scenes established by NSW police.

Seve was part of the Freedom Formation Display Team, a group of amateur pilots who fly in aerobatic formations at airshows and aviation events across Australia.

Most of the team fly Van’s RV-7s, which are two-seat, single-engine home-built kit aircraft often used for sport flying or acrobatics.

In a statement posted to Facebook, the Freedom Formation Display Team confirmed that “there has been an accident involving some of our aircraft today in Sydney’s south-west.”

“We are working to fully support the relevant authorities as they take the lead in coordinating the emergency response,” the statement read. “We are also supporting the team members and their families.”

Fellow aviation group, the Temora Flyers, posted a tribute to Seve and offered their condolences to the Freedom Formation team.

“Today’s loss is deeply felt across the aviation community and by all who have witnessed their commitment firsthand,” the tribute read.

“The pilot who passed was a highly respected member of the formation team and a strong supporter of youth in aviation. Their contribution to inspiring young people and promoting safe, professional flying will not be forgotten,” they wrote.

According to a statement from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), the planes were part of a four-aircraft formation when the crash occurred.

The ATSB has launched an investigation and will send four transport safety investigators from its Perth, Canberra and Brisbane offices, all with experience in aircraft operations, maintenance and engineering.

The investigators will be conducting interviews with witnesses, as well as collecting any relevant recorded information, including any air traffic control and flight tracking data.

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