Highlights
- Two Indian-origin people have died in a light plane crash in NSW
- 26-year-old student pilot Shipra Sharma and chief instructor Saket Kapoor died in the crash in Carcoar
- Cause of the crash is still under investigation: NSW Police
The victims have been identified as 38-year-old chief instructor Saket Kapoor and his 26-year-old flying student Shipra Sharma who was learning to fly with Sydney-based flight training school, Soar Aviation.
According to NSW Police, their plane had taken off from Orange Regional Airport earlier on November 4 after travelling from Bankstown Airport and was returning when the crash occurred on a private airstrip in Carcoar in the central west region of the state.
Emergency services were called to a property in Carcoar at about 7.45 pm that evening following reports that a light plane had crashed.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Detective Chief Inspector Luke Rankin said the plane had not burned but it was obvious the two occupants had been “killed instantly".
He said the duo were practising ‘touch and go’ landing and had successfully touched down before encountering trouble after leaving the Orange Regional Airport.
'Soar on SK'
Mr Kapoor’s former flying student, Sakib Chowdhury told SBS Punjabi that Saket, who was lovingly known as ‘SK’ among friends and colleagues was a “great mentor.”
“I did some theory and flying exams under him. He was the chief flying instructor and would never shout at the student pilots. He was a really good person who had a good personality and was mostly very quiet. We all knew him as SK,” said Mr Chowdhury.
He also took to Facebook to pay him a heartfelt tribute. "Highly competent, accomplished and humble. He will always be in our memories and will always be remembered as we take to the skies. Soar on SK," wrote Mr Chowdhury.
In a statement to ABC News, Soar Aviation chief executive Don Grover confirmed the deaths of Mr Kapoor and Ms Sharma.
"Details remain unclear as to cause of the accident, however, all authorities are briefed and we are providing every possible support to them in their investigations," Mr Grover said.
In a statement to SBS Punjabi, the NSW Police said the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified and a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
SBS Punjabi has contacted Soar Aviation for comment.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Share
