Pilot-less plane destroys aircraft in runway crash
By Gina Marich
Updated 27 minutes ago
A pilot-less plane smashed into this aircraft on a remote airstrip in the NT. (ABC TV)
MAP: Gunbalanya 0822
A light aircraft has been destroyed after a pilot-less plane crashed into it on a remote airstrip in the Northern Territory early this morning.
Police say both planes were on the ground at Gunbalanya, about 330 kilometres east of Darwin, when one of the plane's engines started up when the pilot accidentally knocked the propeller.
"It is believed the pilot had been in the process of preparing the aircraft to be taxied to another area when he exited the aircraft, accidentally knocking the propeller, causing the engine to start," police said in a statement.
"The plane has then moved forward about 20 metres before colliding with the rear of another Cessna, causing extensive damage."
Police say the damaged plane is a write-off.
"This was a pretty unusual job for us to attend and the pilot was extremely fortunate he was not injured as a result of the incident," Senior Constable Nathan Conelius said.
The pilot was breath-tested but returned a negative alcohol reading.
The Australian Transport and Safety Bureau was notified but the bureau says it is unlikely to investigate the matter further.