Riverina Police District Commander Superintendent Andrew Spliet says a recovery mission for the body of a missing pilot is continuing. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
NSW Police are still working to recover the body of a pilot whose plane crashed in the Snowy Mountains this week.
Riverina Police District Commander Superintendent Andrew Spliet confirmed the wreckage was found in the Khancoban area on Thursday afternoon (17 July), but says police are still working on recovering the pilot from the wreckage.
Supt Spliet said police were yet to confirm the pilot’s identity, but the family of 74-year-old Bega man David Stephen has come forward believing it to be him.
Mr Stephen was believed to be flying from Wangaratta to Moruya Airport, south of Batemans Bay, on Tuesday (15 July). Concerns were raised when the plane failed to arrive that afternoon.
In a press conference in Wagga today (18 July), Supt Spliet said police and other emergency services began searching the high country.
“A number of air assets were deployed. However, due to the prevailing weather conditions, the search was hampered on that first day,” he said.
“Over the following days, the search has continued with a number of air assets as well as people on the ground conducting the search.
“We’ve had Police Alpine operators, SES, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Snowy Hydro staff assisting as well.
“We’ve also had ACT Police supply some of their Alpine operators to give us some assistance, as well as VicPol Police air assets, VicPol Ambulance Services and NSW Ambulance Services.”
Police have confirmed they have visited Mr Stephen’s family.
“We’ve located the site, and a helicopter has been there that will be winching in our crime scene officers as well as one of our local investigators,” Supt Spliet said.
“The police down on the South Coast went to speak to the family in recent days and kept them updated. It’s obviously a very unpleasant, tragic time for them, so we’ll want to get that family some answers, the very best that we can about what’s happened.”
The wreckage was found about 4 pm on 17 July by a rescue helicopter searching near the last GPS coordinates recorded prior to the aircraft’s disappearance.
The pilot was the only person on board the flight.
Supt Spliet has warned any travellers heading to the Snowy Mountains region to remain vigilant and plan ahead before travelling.
“I was up there this morning, there’s a lot of snow, a lot of ice around up there at this time of year,” he said.
“So if you’re on the roads, slow down and be careful. If you plan to go out into the bush, into that sort of territory for bush walking or cross-country skiing, let somebody know where you’re going. Take an EPIRB. They can save your life.”
Original Article published by Jarryd Rowley on Region Riverina.
