Chilling details emerged after a 76-year-old pilot was k-i when his light plane crashed near Northam, north-east of Perth, during what is believed to have been a test flight of a replica Spitfire aircraft.

Pilot Killed in WA Wheatbelt Crash Involving Amateur-Built Replica Spitfire

A 76-year-old pilot has tragically lost his life after an amateur-built replica Spitfire aircraft crashed in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region on Wednesday morning.

Emergency services were called to rural Malabaine, near Northam, approximately 100 kilometres northeast of Perth, just before 11 a.m. following reports of a plane crash. Authorities confirmed that the pilot, who was the only person on board, died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency crews.

The aircraft involved was identified as an MK26B Spitfire, a modern replica of the iconic World War II fighter plane. The crash has shocked members of Australia’s aviation community, many of whom knew the pilot personally.

Soon after news of the tragedy emerged, the Facebook page Whitsunday Spitfire shared an emotional message.

“Some sad news — our friend had a fatal crash in his MK26B Spitfire near Northam today conducting flight testing after he built it,” the post read.

“We don’t know much yet but thought I’d let you know that it wasn’t me.”

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a formal investigation into the crash and has deployed a team of specialist investigators from Canberra. Experts in aircraft maintenance, engineering and materials analysis are expected to spend several days examining the wreckage and collecting evidence.

According to the ATSB, investigators will conduct detailed site examinations and recover components from the aircraft that may provide clues as to what caused the crash. The bureau said some parts may be transported to its technical facilities in Canberra for further analysis.

Authorities are also appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have captured video footage of the aircraft, the crash, or its aftermath to come forward.

“The ATSB has deployed a team of transport safety investigators from its Canberra offices,” the agency said in a statement. “Over the coming days, they will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities, including site and wreckage examination.”

Preliminary findings from the investigation are expected to be released in approximately eight weeks. However, a final report containing a complete analysis and safety findings could take considerably longer to complete.

The report will also be provided to the coroner.

The crash has left many within the aviation community mourning the loss of a fellow enthusiast who had reportedly spent years building and preparing the aircraft. Flight testing was believed to be underway when the accident occurred.

While the cause of the crash remains unknown, investigators hope their findings will provide answers and help improve aviation safety.

For now, family, friends and fellow pilots are remembering a man whose passion for aviation ultimately ended in tragedy in the skies above Western Australia.