David Stephens, a seasoned accountant from Bega, took off from Wangaratta, Victoria, in his 1966 Beechcraft Debonair on Tuesday, aiming to reach Moruya Airport in New South Wales later that afternoon. However, he was reported missing when he failed to arrive at his destination.
A multi-agency search operation commenced, hampered by adverse weather conditions and challenging terrain. By yesterday evening, search crews managed to locate the aircraft near its last known position, specifically in the snow-covered mountainous region of Kosciuszko National Park, to the east of Khancoban.
According to Superintendent Andrew Spliet of the Riverina Police District, the wreckage indicated a significant impact with the terrain, suggesting that survival was unlikely. He described the crash scene as unrecognisable as a plane, highlighting the force of the impact that obliterated the aircraft.
The identity of the pilot remained unconfirmed initially. The New South Wales Police have taken charge of the investigation, with recovery operations ongoing. Investigators and crime scene officers are on-site to determine the cause of the crash and to establish the pilot’s identity.
Weather conditions at the time of the incident were reported as “fairly unpleasant” and “not ideal.” The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has also launched an investigation, collaborating with police to gather crucial evidence and recover debris from the site. They are examining flight tracking data, weather conditions, and the pilot’s and aircraft’s maintenance records, with preliminary findings expected in approximately two months.
Family members of Stephens expressed their grief, noting his extensive flying experience, which spanned around 60 years. They fondly remembered him as someone who had earned his pilot’s licence before his driver’s licence in the 1960s. The family speculated that the volatile mountain weather may have influenced his decision-making, assuming he perceived a path over the mountains and chose not to turn back to Wangaratta. Tragically, just two months from retirement, the family had been looking forward to spending more time with him.