Pippa Middleton flew on same Sydney seaplane that crashed on NYE
When Pippa Middleton was last in Australia for her honeymoon, she flew on the same seaplane that tragically crashed into the Hawkesbury River.
The sister of the Duchess of Cambridge flew on the same plane when in Australia last May with James Matthews, boarding the De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver with the call sign VH-NOO.
On Sunday, the plane crashed while flying UK CEO Richard Cousins, 58, his fiancée Emma Bowden, 48, Emma’s daughter Heather, 11, and Richard’s son’s Edward, 23, and William, 25.
The flight was from Cottage Point Inn back to Rose Bay on Sydney Harbour ahead of the New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
During the flight, something went wrong, and the plane crashed into the Hawkesbury River, killing all five passengers and experienced pilot, Gareth Morgan.
Pippa and James also flew to and from lunch at the Cottage Point Inn exclusive river restaurant.
The newlyweds, who were married at St Mark’s Church in Berkshire, west of London, were seen boarding and disembarking the aircraft which was operated by Sydney Seaplanes.
Sydney Seaplanes has been running since 2003 but since the incident has suspended all operations.
Sydney Seaplanes managing director Aaron Shaw said after the accident they were “deeply shocked by this incident”.
“We wish to pass on our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the passengers and pilot who were tragically killed,” he said.
Yesterday, the wrecked fuselage of the aircraft was recovered from the river as the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is set to conclude its on-site investigation.
A preliminary report of the factual circumstances surrounding the crash will be completed in 30 days, however, a full report into what exactly went wrong before the crash will not be published for a year.
Unfortunately, the families of the six people who were killed will have to wait 12 months for any answers into the moments that unfolded before the fatal crash.