Three people are dead after two light planes collided in mid-air before crashing in Sydney’s south-west.
NSW police confirmed the fatal crash occurred at about 11.50am on Saturday, at Belimbla Park, near Oakdale.
Police confirmed on Saturday afternoon that the bodies of three men have been found.
“Officers from Camden Police Area Command are currently at the location and have secured two crime scenes,” police said in an earlier statement.
“Members of the public are urged to avoid the area. No further information is available at this stage.
“An investigation into the cause of the crash will be undertaken by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).”
The ATSB said in a statement that aircraft involved in the collision were a Jabiru and a Cessna 182.
“A team of transport safety investigators from the ATSB’s Canberra office, with experience in aircraft operations and maintenance, is preparing to deploy to the accident sites of both aircraft to begin evidence-collecting activities.
“Over coming days, investigators will undertake site mapping, examine the wreckage of both aircraft, and recover any relevant components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra.
“Investigators will also seek to interview any witnesses and involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information including any air traffic control and flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information.”
It said it would release a preliminary report in about two months, with a final report to be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
“However, if at any point during the investigation we uncover any critical safety issues we will immediately inform relevant parties so they can take safety actions,” it said.
Footage of the site appeared to show plane wreckage in a forested area on the edge of cleared land.
The Oaks rural fire brigade posted on Facebook just after 12.10pm that “multiple crews are currently converging to Wanawong Rd Belimbla Park for a reported aircraft incident”.
“Please stay clear of the area and use caution around emergency vehicles,” the post said.
Local residents also reported on social media that they had seen planes in the area that morning, or heard the sound of engine failure.
