Pilot killed in Aero Crash

[Mick.B]

A MAN has died after the plane he was flying crashed while performing aerial acrobatics at Shepparton Aerodrome.

The plane crashed in a paddock just north of the runway about 2.30pm.

A police spokeswoman said police believe the male pilot was the only occupant in the plane.

He died before ambulance officers arrived at the scene.

A spokesman for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau said the pilot was flying an amateur-built plane.

He said the ATSB would not be investigating the crash as the pilot was involved in the "high risk sport" of aerial acrobatics at the time of the crash.

The aerodrome, about 5km south of Shepparton, has two runways and about 18 hangars and caters mainly for private aircraft.

I think most of us here know too well who this was. Massive loss for the Aviation community. How much more of this can we take. Airshows just wont be the same.

[David N]

Originally Posted by Mick.B

I think most of us here know to well who this was. Massive loss for the Aviation community.

Yes
Very sad loss of a great man and great pilot, I was looking forward to seeing him perform at Tyabb this weekend and at Avalon.

RIP Pip

[AdamC]

Looks like it has been confirmed.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...71-661,00.html

very sad day for aviation.

Adam.

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Pip was a great friend of the magazine and of the staff there, and will be sorely missed by all of us. Fly high mate!

[Raymond Rowe]

He put on a great performance at Avalon for many years.

[Sarah C]

Terrible news - I was fortunate to meet him at the 2007 Airshow. My dad sat in VH-PIP and he showed him all the controls.

He spent a good 15 minutes with us amongst his busy schedule - a true gentlemen. A sad day for Australian Aviation.

[Robert Zweck]

He was due to perform here at the Barossa Valley Air Show in April.