Two men confirmed dead in plane crash west of Coffs Harbour, NSW

Police have reached the scene of a plane crash west of Coffs Harbour, and confirm the two men on board have been found deceased.

Wreckage of the aircraft was found in dense bushland 27km west of Coffs Harbour about 6.30am today (Saturday 21 September 2019).

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) initiated a search when the Mooney 20 aircraft failed to arrive at Taree as planned by 8am yesterday (Friday 20 September 2019).

The aircraft, believed to have a father and son on board, had departed Murwillumbah 90 minutes earlier.

The crew from the Westpac 4 rescue helicopter was unable to access the crash site due to poor weather conditions with rain and low cloud extending to ground level.

Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District, were assisted by the SES and NP&WS to access the site which is located in steep and heavily-wooded terrain; weather conditions in the area remain poor.

The men – believed to be aged their 50s and 20s and from the Gold Coast area – are yet to be formally identified.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have been informed and will be responsible for any investigation into the crash.

The men’s family is being apprised of the situation.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

/Public Release. View in full here.