Tragedy struck the New South Wales Mid-North Coast over the weekend when two seasoned flight instructors lost their lives in a light plane crash off Scotts Head. The accident, which occurred on January 4, 2023, has deeply affected the local aviation community, drawing attention to the need for thorough investigations of aviation incidents.
Mark White, 69, who was the chief flying instructor at Midcoast Microlights, and Simon Peutrill, 67, both held tremendous experience as pilots. They had been flying their Sting S4 aircraft, registered as 23-1677, when they encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff. Witnesses reported seeing the plane fly low before it allegedly struggled for power just before plunging approximately 70 kilometers south of Coffs Harbour.
“About 4 PM, emergency services responded to the coastline after witness reports of the plane crashing,” said NSW Police Chief Inspector Stuart Campbell. “A search was coordinated with local police resources as well as surf rescue, and water police from Coffs Harbour. That search located wreckage of a light aircraft; unfortunately, within the wreckage, we found the bodies of two deceased persons.”
The local aviation circles have been mourning the loss of White and Peutrill, both of whom were well-regarded for their flying expertise. Don Townsend, vice president of Coffs Harbour Aero Club, highlighted the extensive flying hours both men accumulated. “Mark had been with a pilot school for many years and has a lot of hours flying, Simon has quite a few hours as an instructor as well,” he noted. Their departure marks a significant loss for many who knew them within the aviation sector.
Adding to the tributes, John "Fred" Sercombe, who volunteers at the local 2AIR-FM radio station, described Peutrill as a talented individual who made valuable contributions to their team. “Simon was a lovely, lovely man. Beautifully organized, also up with the latest… he could produce a beautiful program out of nothing.”
While detectives from the NSW Police Maritime Area Command are actively investigating the scene, many have called for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) to step in. Although not currently overseeing the investigation since the aircraft was on the recreational register, stakeholders believe the ATSB’s specialized resources are necessary for comprehensive examinations. Recreational Aviation Australia chair Michael Monck expressed this need well, stating, “The ATSB has laboratories where they can test components from the wreckage of an accident and have expertise in recovering data from electronics.” He emphasized the importance of these capabilities for learning from such tragic incidents, which could carry benefits for the wider Australian public, especially when it came to ensuring aviation safety.
Calls for the formation of improved investigative protocols have surfaced, urging the government to reconsider how aviation incidents, especially fatal ones, are examined. Advocates argue the current framework falls short of ensuring thorough and effective reviews, which are imperative for preventing future accidents.
Though the cause of this crash is still undetermined, the emotional impact on the families, friends, and the aviation community is palpable. The legacy of safety and experience left by both White and Peutrill will resonate within the community as discussions continue about regulatory changes needed in the local aviation sector. The incident serves as a sobering reminder about the risks associated with flying and the importance of rigorous safety standards.