Two Experienced Pilots Killed in NSW Kit-Plane Crash Near Scone

Perth resident Revel Downing, 58, and his 63-year-old companion “Will” were killed when their newly acquired Aeropup kit-built aircraft crashed shortly after departing Scone Memorial Airport in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales. The two-seater, built in 2012 and advertised for $38,000, was intended to be flown back to Western Australia. Both men were active members of the Sport Aircraft Builders Club of WA, based at Serpentine Airfield, and were described as experienced recreational pilots.

Emergency crews arrived just before 2 p.m. local time and found the victims in the cockpit, confirming they died on impact. NSW Police Inspector Todd Hobson said the early investigation will examine weather conditions, possible pilot error, and mechanical failure. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified but does not investigate recreational aircraft accidents, and a coroner’s report is being prepared.