One of the two victims of a light plane crash at a South Australian airport was a flight instructor nicknamed 'Goose' after the Top Gun character. Robert 'Rob' Hoyle, 29, died on Wednesday evening when his Diamond DA42 aircraft plunged into a hangar at Parafield Airport in Adelaide's north.
Crash Details
The plane lost control less than a minute after taking off. His 24-year-old student also died in the crash, and 11 workers in the hangar were injured. Four were rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, while the other seven were taken to Lyell McEwin Hospital.
Family and Tributes
Rob's father, Scott Hoyle, told 7News that his son was widely 'respected and admired by his peers and students' and had more than 10 years of pilot experience.
Investigation Ongoing
Australian Transport Safety Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. 'We know, particularly from the video footage and some eyewitness statements from the ground, the sequence of the flight,' he said. 'We understand that very soon after takeoff, the aircraft came around to the left and rolled into a steep - almost nose-in attitude - before hitting the building. At this stage it's too early to rule in or out what exactly contributed to the accident.' A preliminary report will be released in two months. Mechanical factors, flying conditions, and training circumstances will be examined.
Flight Path and Emergency Response
According to FlightRadar, the twin-engine plane departed at around 2:08 PM in a north-easterly direction. Emergency services were notified of the accident about 2:10 PM. Paramedics, police, South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), and South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) rushed to the scene. Thick black smoke covered the area, which was evacuated, and the public was advised to avoid the area if possible.
Witness Accounts
One witness said they saw the plane go down and a fireball erupt into the air. 'I was thinking, 'Wow, that guy's very low to be attempting a turn that sharp' and then it just dropped out of the sky and bang,' he said. Another person, who was washing their car near Bunnings, said, 'It was kind of strange that I didn't hear it crash, but I saw the smoke and then sirens started pretty quickly.'
Impact on Flight Training Australia
The plane belonged to Flight Training Australia, which has grounded its other planes until Monday. The company said support would also be offered to students and staff.
Government Response
Premier Peter Malinauskus shared his condolences and thanked emergency services. 'I want to sincerely thank our first responders, including South Australia Police, SA Ambulance, and Metropolitan Fire Service, for their swift and courageous response under very difficult circumstances,' he said.
