SCONE, NSW, October 16, 2026 — Two men have died after a light plane crashed into a paddock beside Scone Memorial Airport in the NSW Upper Hunter on Friday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Bunnan Road at about 1.55pm. Officers from Hunter Valley Police District found the crashed aircraft, and both men aboard died at the scene. Police said inquiries were underway to establish their identities.
In its statement on the crash, NSW Police said: “A crime scene has been established and will be examined by specialist officers.”
The cause has not been established. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the aircraft was taking off, approaching the airport or at another stage of its flight.
Kit-built aircraft involved as firefighters respond to fuel spill
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau told ABC Newcastle that the plane was a kit-built aircraft on the recreational register. Its make, model and registration were not disclosed in the reports checked.
Fire and Rescue NSW told 7NEWS that a fire truck remained at the crash site near Scone Racecourse at 3pm, amid reports of fuel spilling from the wreckage. The report did not say the aircraft had caught fire.
Upper Hunter Mayor Pat Ryan told ABC he had been contacted by the airport’s general manager.
“It looks like the aircraft has crashed adjacent to the airport on private property,” he said.
Ryan described the incident as a tragic accident.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the men were believed to be from outside the area and had recently bought the ultralight aircraft, which they were flying home. Those circumstances were not confirmed in the police statement.
Police investigate as aviation bodies are notified
Police have informed Recreational Aviation Australia and the ATSB. Notification does not establish that the bureau has opened a safety investigation; 7NEWS reported that the ATSB said it does not investigate recreational aircraft crashes.
A report will be prepared for the coroner. Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Scone Memorial Airport serves the Upper Hunter, approximately 150km northwest of Newcastle by road. According to Upper Hunter Shire Council, it supports charter flights, pilot training, aircraft maintenance and agricultural aviation, alongside medical and rescue operations. Its terminal is beside the Hunter Warbirds museum.
The men’s names, their intended destination and the sequence leading to the crash remain unconfirmed.
Related transport coverage: 19 injured in collision near the Channel Tunnel’s French entrance.
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