A man’s body was found nearly a day after a plane crashed in a national park.
On Thursday, September 18, at approximately 4:30 pm local time, emergency services responded to Budawang National Park in Australia after receiving alerts from an aircraft Emergency Location Transmitter. Authorities initiated a search operation suspecting a potential missing or injured individual from the crash.
Due to challenging access to the crash site, it took nearly 24 hours for search and rescue teams to locate and recover the body, believed to be that of a 60-year-old man.
The New South Wales Police Force (NSW Police) in Australia issued a statement confirming the recovery of the pilot’s body.
The NSW police statement mentioned, “A body has been retrieved following a search and rescue mission after a plane crash in the southern region of the state on the previous day.
“Yesterday, around 4:30 pm, emergency services were called to Budawang National Park, approximately 25 km north of Batemans Bay, upon activation of an aircraft Emergency Location Transmitter.
“Reportedly, the small recreational aircraft departed from Bankstown earlier in the day with one occupant and was heading back to the airport. A collaborative search operation was initiated involving various agencies such as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, NSW Toll Ambulance Helicopter, Fire and Rescue NSW, Rural Fire Service, and NSW Ambulance.
“Around 5:30 pm yesterday, the crash site was spotted from the air. However, due to the challenging terrain and weather conditions, emergency services faced difficulties in reaching the crash site by land or vehicle.
“At approximately 2 pm today, a body, believed to be that of a 60-year-old man, was located at the scene, and a recovery operation, supported by PolAir and Police Rescue, was successfully completed. The identity of the man is pending formal confirmation.
“An investigation into the crash’s cause will be conducted by the Australian Transport Bureau (ATSB).”
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