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Fri Feb 26, 2010
A light aircraft has been destroyed after a pilot-less plane crashed into it on a remote airstrip in the Northern Territory early this morning.
Police say both planes were on the ground at Gunbalanya, about 330 kilometres east of Darwin, when one of the plane's engines started up after its pilot accidentally knocked the propeller.
Senior Constable Nathan Conelius says the pilot had been in the process of preparing the aircraft to be taxied to another area when he exited the aircraft and accidentally knocked the propeller, causing the engine to start.
"The plane's moved forward at full speed for about 20 metres before it's collided with the rear of another Cessna, which caused extensive damage to the tail and wing of that plane.
"The collision sent debris flying over an area about the size of a football field."
He says the damaged plane is a write-off.
The pilot was breath-tested but returned a negative alcohol reading.
The Australian Transport and Safety Bureau was notified but the bureau says it is unlikely to investigate the matter further.