Respected pilot dies following Moruya plane crash
On Saturday, 27 September local pilot and Master of Sport Parachuting died following a plane crash at Moruya.
Shortly after 2pm emergency services were called to bushland west of George Bass Drive, 2km north of Moruya Airport, following reports of a plane crash.
Officers from South Coast Police District attended the scene and found a plane, used by a skydiving business, had crashed.
The pilot 54 year old Paul Smith, was the only person onboard. The aircraft was returning to Moruya airport after conducting a skydiving drop when it collided with terrain.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) commenced a transport safety investigation into an accident involving a turboprop Pilatus Porter aircraft.
“The ATSB deployed a team of transport safety investigators from its Canberra and Brisbane offices, specialising in aircraft operations, maintenance and engineering, to the accident site.
Once on site on Sunday morning, investigators conducted a range of evidence-gathering activities including site survey with a drone, wreckage examination, and recovery of any aircraft components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra.
Investigators will also seek to interview involved parties and witnesses, and collect relevant recorded information including flight tracking data, pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information.
The ATSB asks anyone with video footage of the aircraft at any phase of the flight, or in the immediate aftermath of the accident, to make contact via the witness form on our website: atsb.gov.au/witness at their earliest opportunity.”
The Australian Parachute Foundation issued a statement saying “With immense sadness, we acknowledge the passing of Paul ‘Poo’ Smith, who tragically lost his life whilst flying in Moruya on Saturday.
Paul was a beloved and highly respected member of the Australian skydiving community, known by many for his exceptional skill, generosity, and almost 40 years of dedication to the sport. In recognition of his decades of outstanding contributions and achievements in our sport — particularly in the areas of aircraft operations, training and competition skydiving — Paul was awarded the APF’s highest honour last year: Master of Sport Parachuting.
From 2011 to 2024, Paul built and ran Skydive Oz in Moruya Heads, a purpose-built drop zone offering world-class facilities and training that drew aspiring skydivers from all around the globe. Following the drop zone’s acquisition last year, Paul remained deeply involved in operations as Chief Instructor, continuing to shape and support the community he had worked so hard to grow.
Whether as a pilot, drop zone owner, instructor, competitor, display jumper, consultant, mentor, or friend, Paul had a profound impact on countless individuals — more than he would ever realise — and his enduring influence on our sport will always be remembered.
His loss is deeply felt across our community.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Paul’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him during this difficult time.”