A pilot and passenger have died and 10 people on the ground have been injured, one critically, after a light plane crashed into a hangar shortly after takeoff at Parafield Airport, north of Adelaide. The four-seat, twin-engine Diamond DA42 aircraft had just taken off shortly after 2pm when it struck a hangar containing a significant amount of fuel, sparking a massive fire.
Emergency Response
Chief Inspector Andrew McCracken confirmed the two deceased were in the aircraft. Four people were rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital: one in a life-threatening condition with severe burns, two in serious condition, and one with minor injuries. Another four were treated for smoke inhalation at Lyell McEwin Hospital, and two more were taken to Modbury Hospital for the same reason.
Metropolitan Fire Service Chief Officer Jeff Swann described the scene: firefighters were met with "really thick, black smoke, and intense flames." The fire was intensified by fuel inside the hangar and the aircraft's impact on the fire hydrant system, which disabled sprinklers and limited water supply for the 57 firefighters who responded. Several students inside the hangar were assisted out by the fire service.
Damage and Investigation
The hangar, used for maintenance, aircraft storage, and as a classroom, sustained significant damage, including to two of the five aircraft inside. McCracken declined to speculate on whether the pilot was a student, pending confirmation from investigators. A forensic pathologist and major crash officers were at the scene, with a cordon remaining for at least 24 hours.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas expressed condolences, stating he was briefed by Police Commissioner Grant Stevens on the "tragic incident." The fire has been extinguished, and the airfield is closed. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is dispatching investigators from Canberra and Brisbane to inspect the wreckage and recover components for examination. Authorities urge the public to avoid the area.
