A 54-year-old male pilot has died after a skydiving plane crash in Moruya on the NSW South Coast.
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NSW Police state that soon after 2pm on Saturday, September 27, emergency services were called to bushland west of George Bass Drive, Moruya, two kilometres north of Moruya Airport.
Officers from the South Coast Police District discovered the plane, used by a skydiving business, had crashed.
Police said the 54-year-old man, the only person on board, died at the scene.
In a statement, Australian Parachute Federation chief executive Stephen Porter confirmed the pilot had been attempting to land a Pilatus Porter single-engine plane at the time of the crash.
A group of eight skydivers had successfully landed prior to the crash.
"This is incredibly distressing, and our thoughts and hearts are with everyone at the scene, the pilot's family and friends, and the entire skydiving community, which is in shock," Mr Porter said.
A SKYONE spokesman said safety was the highest priority for the skydiving company, and the focus would be on understanding what caused the crash.
"At SKYONE, we do everything we can to make it as safe as possible for everyone. The close-knit skydiving community here is devastated that this has occurred," he said.
Police have established a crime scene that will be examined by specialist officers.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been informed, and a report will also be prepared for the coroner.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
- Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14.
Hannah Neale
Twice weekly
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