The light aircraft went down around 10 a.m. local time, just minutes after taking off from the runway located about 85 kilometers south of Sydney. According to police, the plane caught fire upon impact, but the blaze was later extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW.
In an official statement, police said, “Upon impacting with the ground, the aircraft caught on fire which was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW. Three people are confirmed deceased.”
Aerial footage released by ABC News showed the charred remains of the aircraft lying on the runway, with emergency personnel surrounding the scene.
Authorities have now established a crime scene, and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been notified to begin a full investigation into the cause of the crash. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
The tragic crash highlights the risks of light aircraft operations, which often depend on weather, maintenance, and pilot experience. Aviation authorities are expected to focus on technical faults or takeoff-related errors as possible causes. For now, Shellharbour Airport remains under scrutiny as investigators work to uncover how a short flight turned deadly within moments.
