Khadervali Gagguturu dies in fatal Oakdale mid-air plane crash
Fatal Oakdale mid-air plane crash death of Khadervali Gagguturu – Obituary.
Khadervali Gagguturu, a 60-year-old pilot, was tragically killed in a mid-air collision involving two light aircraft in Belimbla Park near Oakdale, Sydney, on the morning of Saturday, October 27. Gagguturu was flying a white Jabiru aircraft that collided with a yellow Cessna 182 shortly after departing from Oaks Airfield.
The Cessna, carrying two passengers and en route to Wollongong from Cessnock, burst into flames upon impact with the ground. The Jabiru was found approximately one kilometer away from the initial crash site. Gagguturu was pronounced dead at the scene, remembered fondly for his love of aviation and his kind heart.
Along with Gagguturu, veteran Qantas pilot Gary Criddle and another unidentified 29-year-old man also lost their lives in the incident. Criddle’s family expressed their devastation, describing him as a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and mentor to many aspiring pilots.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is currently investigating the cause of the crash, with early reports indicating that it occurred in uncontrolled airspace. Authorities are collecting data and seeking witnesses to understand the events leading up to this tragic accident.