Update on PC-9/A Pilots

The two aircrew involved in today’s PC-9/A accident have been assessed at hospital to be in a satisfactory condition. The aircrew will be kept overnight at hospital for X-rays and precautionary observation.

An Aviation Accident Investigation Team will be onsite at RAAF Base East Sale on Thursday 19 May to begin the investigation.

Defence has notified the next of kin and will provide any and all support necessary to the crew and their families.

The crew was comprised of a qualified flying instructor and an instructor trainee (ie, a qualified pilot training to become an instructor of other pilots), undertaking a routine training flight.

The aircraft crashed about 1 kilometre short of a runway, on the edge of the base. There were no other personnel involved in the incident.

Background previously released:

At approximately 3.15pm today, a single Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) PC-9/A aircraft experienced a suspected engine failure and crashed at RAAF Base East Sale Victoria.

The two crew members of the aircraft ejected safely, in accordance with well-practiced emergency procedures.

As a precaution, all RAAF PC-9A flying operations have been temporarily suspended, while the cause of the incident is fully investigated.

The safety of all Defence personnel is the highest priority and the RAAF has in place comprehensive emergency response procedures which were activated during the incident.