Three people have been killed after a small plane crashed into a paddock in Victoria’s east.
Emergency services were called to reports of an aircraft crash near Hayfield-Upper Maffra Road in Tinamba West about 5.45pm.
Police were told the plane was circling the area before it crashed and set on fire.
All three people onboard – a pilot and two passengers – died at the scene but they are yet to be formally identified.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it is now investigating the crash.
“As reported to the ATSB, the aircraft collided with terrain in a paddock and was destroyed in a post-impact fire,” the ATSB said in a statement.
“The ATSB is deploying to the accident site a team of transport safety investigators from its Canberra office, specialising in aircraft operations and maintenance.
“Investigators will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities on site, including wreckage examination and recovery of any relevant aircraft components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra.”
Investigators will also interview witnesses and collect information as part of the probe into the crash.
The ATSB urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has footage or photos to come forward.
The investigation’s first report into the fatal crash could take about six to eight weeks.
