David Stephens dies in fatal Snowy Mountains plane crash
Fatal Snowy Mountains plane crash death of David Stephens
Investigators have located the remains of a man within the wreckage of a missing aircraft in the Snowy Mountains region. While an official identification has not been confirmed, law enforcement officials have stated they are confident the deceased is David Stephens, the pilot of the 74-year-old individual from Bega who went missing after his flight from Wangaratta to Moruya on Tuesday afternoon.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority confirmed that the plane involved was a 1966 Beechcraft Debonair 35-C3. According to the preliminary assessment by the lead investigator for New South Wales, the aircraft was entirely destroyed in the remote area, leaving no chance for survival. He emphasized that the extent of the damage makes it highly unlikely anyone onboard could have endured the impact.
A joint recovery effort is currently underway, with teams including investigators and crime scene specialists working at the crash site. Access to the area, described as extremely rugged with heavy snow cover, required the use of multiple aircraft, including a helicopter that will assist in transporting personnel. The operation is expected to continue later today to retrieve and examine evidence.
The preliminary search involved a wide array of resources, including emergency services and specialized units from New South Wales and Victoria. Aerial surveillance was conducted by rescue jets and helicopters, and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has initiated a formal inquiry to analyze data from the crash site and aircraft components.
Further details will be released once the investigation concludes, with a recommendation for a coroner’s report.
