NSW couple die in US lightie crash

[Time Out]

NSW pair killed in US plane crash
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has confirmed the deaths of two Australians in a light plane crash in the United States.

The two killed were 62-year-old Peter Walsh and 60-year-old Helen Walsh from Wagga Wagga in southern inland New South Wales.

Mr Walsh founded the Cessna 182 Association in 1999 at Wagga Wagga.

The married couple was in America to attend an international Rotary conference.

DFAT says the plane was travelling from Maine to Connecticut early this morning (Australian time) when it crashed into Long Island Sound.

A statement from the US coast guard says two rescue boats were deployed to the crash site of the Cessna 182 after receiving a call from a recreational craft which heard an engine cut off followed by a loud bang.

It says upon arrival, rescuers found all four passengers in the water deceased.

Officials at Groton Airport said the aircraft, originating in Bangor, Maine, had been approaching the airport when it suddenly disappeared off their radar.

The nationalities of the other two passengers have not been released.
source (http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200506/s1402116.htm)

[DIVINE WIND]

Very bad viz around the North East the last few days, very humid up here at the moment, been 3-4 miles last few days. Very tragic.
RIP

[Wombat35]

Very Sad, my folks walked with them to the aircraft and were in the convoy just above them and were diverted when they went missing.

My heart goes out to the family, such a tragic end to a wonderful trip.

Sounds like they were having a great time and were wonderful community minded people.

God Bless

[Super Cecil]

Were getting more like the yanks, if they were'nt from our country we don't care. There was also 2 others killed in the same crash, it's not mentioned .

[ASKARI]

The article that leads the thread does mention there were four people killed in this accident.
Can anyone confirm that Peter Welsh was the same chap that was in the Australian Services as an aircraft mechanic. He was heavily involved in gliding many years ago......age seems about right?
Condolences to all the families and friends of those involved in this accident.

[wombat1]

Peter Walsh was from Wagga Wagga,he was mainly in real estate , he owned a Cessna 182 , was President of the Wagga Aero Club, started the Cessna Association of Australia, was involved with bringing the SAAA Annual Convention to Wagga and he and his wife were very involved with charities in Wagga

[Woomera]

A very sad loss which touched very many people in the Australian GA scene.