By PAUL MILLAR
THE pilot of a light plane has died after the aircraft crashed near the Midland Highway at Lethbridge Air Park around noon.
Police and emergency services are at the scene.
It appears the plane experienced difficulties shortly after take-off but the cause of the accident is still to be determined.
The single occupant male pilot, 85, from Melbourne’s western suburbs, died at the scene. Several people raced to drag the man free of the plane, including an off-duty doctor, but discovered he was dead.
A spokesman for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority said the plane had been an ultralight.
It appeared to have been an amateur-built Sonex.
The plane is regarded as a recreational aircraft and is registered with Recreation Aviation Australia, which has sent an investigator to the scene.
Recreation Aviation Australia will supply details of its findings to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
