Two dead in light plane crash By Jamie Duncan
July 31, 2007 10:22pm
Article from: AAP
TWO people have died in a light plane crash north of Melbourne.
The wreckage of a twin-engined Aero Commander was found by a search helicopter crew in trees near the tiny town of Clonbinane, near Wandong, about 60km north of Melbourne, about 9.45pm (AEST) today, Victoria Police spokesman Wayne Wilson said.
There were no other people on board the flight.
The identities of the victims are not yet known.
Police believe the fatal flight took off from Essendon Airport bound for Shepparton, 180km northeast of Melbourne.
A search for the aircraft was sparked in the Wandong-Mt Disappointment area after residents reported hearing a light plane in trouble, followed by an explosion, about 8.20pm.
The plane came down near Drag Hill and Raynors roads, south of Clonbinane and northwest of Mt Disappointment.
Earlier tonight, the weather bureau issued a severe weather warning for western and central districts of Victoria, including the crash site, for severe winds averaging 75km/h with gusts to 110km/h, especially in elevated areas.
The area is near the top of the Great Dividing Range.
Monument Hill, a short distance west of the crash site, rises to 480m above sea level.
Police have sealed off the area and are awaiting the arrival of crash investigators.
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