Tragedy in the Skies: Beloved Couple and Friend Killed in Fiery Plane Crash on Way to Bathurst 1000
- Andrew Conners, 55, his wife Julianne, 54, and their friend Colin McLachlan, 73, died in a horrific plane crash at Shellharbour Airport
- The Piper Cherokee Lance aircraft burst into flames after hitting the tarmac, leaving no survivors
- The trio were on their way to the Bathurst 1000 motor race when tragedy struck, leaving behind two children and a community in shock
In a devastating turn of events, a married couple and their close friend were killed in a fiery light plane crash at Shellharbour Airport on Saturday morning. Andrew Conners, 55, his wife Julianne, 54, and Colin McLachlan, 73, were on their way to the Bathurst 1000 motor race when their aircraft went down just seconds after take-off.
Witnesses described the horrific scene, saying the plane dipped with its left wing coming down and contacted the tarmac, before bursting into flames. “It’s quite a gruesome scene,” said Lake Illawarra Chief Inspector Aaron Wunderlich. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, with tributes pouring in for the beloved couple and their friend.
“Andrew and Jules were not just directors; they were visionary leaders,” said a statement from Tumut Valley Holiday Park, where the couple were directors. “Their legacy will continue to inspire us as we carry forward the values they embodied.” The construction industry also paid tribute to the couple, recalling their kind hearts and willingness to help.
Federal MP for Whitlam, Carol Berry, offered her condolences, saying: “On behalf of everyone in the Whitlam electorate I offer condolences to the families and loved ones of the three victims of this tragedy.” Newly elected Labor MP for Kiama Katelin McInerney said the news from the airport was devastating, and her thoughts were with the family and friends of those involved.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into the crash, which occurred just over a week after a helicopter crashed into a car outside Bankstown Airport in Sydney’s southwest. The community is still reeling from the double tragedy, with many left to mourn the loss of three beautiful souls.