The search for pilot David Stephens and his 1966 Beechcraft Debonair plane has finally yielded a major update.
After two days of searching in trying conditions, a rescue helicopter spotted what is believed to be the wreckage of the plane around 4 pm on Thursday.
The plane was found near Khancoban, close to its last known GPS location.
Investigations to Continue
The NSW Police Force has taken over the investigation, which will continue tomorrow.
There is currently no update on the pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
Pilot’s Background
David Stephens, a 65-year-old Bega man, was an experienced pilot with a passion for flying.
He was also a rally sport commentator on the Sapphire Coast region and an accountant just two months away from retirement.
Search Efforts
A huge multi-agency search team was launched to find Stephens earlier this week, with rescue crews battling plummeting temperatures.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) described the terrain as “rugged and inaccessible alpine terrain, impacted by recent heavy snow falls.”
Let us know in the comments below: what do you think could have caused the plane to go missing?