A pilot has had a lucky escape when his plane crashed south of Darwin during a massive defence exercise.
The international aircraft was taking part in the biennial Exercise Pitch Black training exercise when it crashed near the Northern Territory’s Daly River on Wednesday morning.
Defence Minister Richard Marles’ office confirmed the pilot ejected from the aircraft before the crash, with no fatalities reported from the incident.
The pilot was taken to the Royal Darwin Hospital in a stable condition for precautionary checks. Police said they were “otherwise safe and well”.
ADF personnel have responded to an emergency incident involving an international participant during Exercise Pitch Black.
I am pleased to hear the pilot involved is safe and recovering in hospital.
— Richard Marles (@RichardMarlesMP) July 24, 2024
A Defence spokesperson said a search and rescue helicopter had helped to recover the pilot.
“The exercise participant made immediate contact with air-crew in the area via radio following their ejection,” the spokesperson said.
“The pilot arrived at hospital by helicopter around 1.30pm (local time).
“All flying for the remainder of the day has been cancelled. Defence will provide further updates when available.”
It is not yet known what type of aircraft was involved in the crash, or what caused the incident.
Exercise #PitchBlack24 launches into the night 🌇
Activities such as ExPB24 help🇦🇺 to advance a free & open Indo-Pacific region, build connections around the globe, bolster regional security, & build regional resilience to transnational threats.#AusAirForce #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/6Zdv0HwRLH
— Royal Australian Air Force (@AusAirForce) July 23, 2024
Pitch Black, one of the largest tactical air operations in the world, is hosted by the Australian Royal Air Force and includes 20 countries, more than 140 aircraft and 4500 personnel.
The exercise is being held out of the RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal.
The Air Force’s website describes the operation as its “most significant flying activity for strengthening international engagement and enhancing our ability to work with overseas partners”.
-AAP
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