Two dead as small plane crashes into hangar at Australian airport

Two people were killed and several others injured when a small twin-engine aircraft crashed into a hangar and caught fire at Parafield Airport in Adelaide, Australia. Emergency services extinguished the blaze, evacuated the area, and the airport was closed. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

Two people have died and several others have been injured after a small aircraft crashed into a hangar at Parafield Airport in Adelaide, Australia, in a tragic incident that has triggered a full-scale emergency response and a formal investigation.
The accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon local time when a twin-engine Diamond DA42 light aircraft crashed into a hangar within the airport complex. The aircraft, which is designed to carry up to four occupants, reportedly struck the structure and immediately caught fire, sending thick smoke and flames into the air.
The impact and resulting blaze quickly escalated into a serious emergency situation. Fire crews, ambulance teams, and police officers were deployed to the scene within minutes. Emergency responders worked urgently to contain the fire, prevent it from spreading further within the hangar, and assist any survivors or injured individuals trapped nearby.
Authorities confirmed that two people lost their lives in the crash. Several others were also injured, although officials have not yet released an exact figure or the severity of their injuries. Emergency medical teams treated victims at the scene before transporting some of them to nearby medical facilities for further care. Investigations are ongoing to identify those affected and notify their families.
Because of the intensity of the fire and risk of further explosions or structural collapse, the immediate area surrounding the hangar was evacuated. South Australia Police confirmed that safety perimeters were established to secure the airport and allow emergency teams to operate without interference.
The fire eventually spread within the hangar before being brought under control by firefighters after sustained efforts. Authorities later confirmed that the blaze has been fully extinguished, although significant damage had already been done to the aircraft and part of the hangar structure.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched an official investigation into the cause of the crash. Investigators are expected to examine multiple possible factors, including mechanical failure, pilot activity, weather conditions, and airport operations at the time of the incident. The wreckage of the aircraft will be carefully analysed as part of the process, alongside data collection from airport systems and witness statements.
Parafield Airport management described the event as a “serious incident” and stated that it is cooperating fully with emergency services and aviation investigators. The airport also confirmed that operations have been temporarily suspended while safety checks and investigations are carried out.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas expressed condolences to the families of those who died, describing the incident as deeply distressing. He also extended support to those injured and affected, while commending emergency responders for their rapid and professional handling of the situation under difficult conditions.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to release further details on the cause of the crash, the identities of the victims, and the full extent of the damage. For now, Parafield Airport remains closed as aviation safety officials work to determine how the tragedy occurred and what measures may be needed to prevent a similar incident in the future.