Sydney Pilot Dies After Two Light Planes Collide in Midair

An aerobatic display pilot has died after two small aircraft collided midair in Sydney’s south west. The crash happened late Sunday morning near Napperfield Airfield at Wedderburn, close to Appin, after two Van’s RV-7 light planes made contact while flying in formation.

The body of a pilot, reported to be Eddie Seve, from Sydney’s Hills District, was found by emergency services.

Emergency crews located one of the aircraft in nearby bushland, where the pilot, identified as Eddie Seve from Sydney’s Hills District, was found deceased. He was the sole occupant. The second aircraft managed to return to the airfield and land safely, and the pilot was uninjured. NSW Police have established two separate crime scenes as part of the investigation.

One of the planes crashed in bushland near Appin.

Seve was a member of the Freedom Formation Display Team, a group known for performing aerobatic routines at airshows across Australia. In a statement, the team said they were supporting authorities and offering assistance to fellow members and families affected by the accident. Aviation groups around the country have paid tribute to Seve, describing him as a respected formation pilot who encouraged young people to pursue aviation and championed safe flying practices.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed the aircraft had been part of a four-plane formation at the time of the collision. Investigators from Perth, Canberra and Brisbane are being deployed to gather flight data, review air traffic recordings and interview witnesses as part of a full safety investigation.