Three people killed in light aircraft crash at Shellharbour Airport

Three people were killed when a light aircraft crashed and caught fire shortly after takeoff from Shellharbour Airport in the Lake Illawarra area about 10am on Saturday, police said. Fire and Rescue crews extinguished the blaze at the scene, where officers found three people deceased and no other injuries were reported. The runway and surrounding area have been secured for investigation.

Police said the aircraft impacted the ground soon after departure and burst into flames. Flight tracking data and witness accounts indicate the single‑engine plane veered to the left and made contact with the runway roughly 30 metres after takeoff, after which it became engulfed in fire. Witnesses told officers that one wing struck the tarmac before the aircraft descended and crashed. Photographs and video from the scene show the fuselage largely destroyed by fire, with only parts of the tail preserved.

Local reports identified two of the victims as Andrew Connors, 55, and his wife Julianne, 54, and named a third person as their friend, 73-year-old Colin McLaughlin. Police have confirmed the three fatalities but have not released further identifying details. A representative for the airport said...