Pilot Killed in South Australia Crop-Spraying Plane Crash

A pilot has lost his life after a light aircraft went down during crop-spraying operations in South Australia, police confirmed on Monday.

The South Australia Police (SA Police) said the crash happened at about 1:30 p.m. local time in farmlands near Yeelanna, a small town located 275 kilometers west of Adelaide.

“The pilot and sole occupant, a 36-year-old man, died at the scene,” the statement noted.

Major crash officers were immediately deployed to investigate, while the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has also launched a probe into the incident.

According to the ATSB, “the Air Tractor agricultural aircraft collided with terrain while spraying crops.” Investigators specializing in aircraft operations are expected to visit the crash site to collect evidence and inspect the wreckage.

The bureau further explained that recovered components from the plane would be transferred to its technical facilities in Canberra for detailed analysis.