Pippa Middleton flew on same Sydney seaplane that crashed on NYE
<p>When Pippa Middleton was last in Australia for her honeymoon, she flew on the same seaplane that tragically crashed into the Hawkesbury River.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>The flight was from Cottage Point Inn back to Rose Bay on Sydney Harbour ahead of the New Year’s Eve fireworks display.</p>
<p>During the flight, something went wrong, and the plane crashed into the Hawkesbury River, killing all five passengers and experienced pilot, Gareth Morgan.</p>
<p>Pippa and James also flew to and from lunch at the Cottage Point Inn exclusive river restaurant.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Sydney Seaplanes has been running since 2003 but since the incident has suspended all operations.</p>
<p>Sydney Seaplanes managing director Aaron Shaw said after the accident they were “deeply shocked by this incident”.</p>
<p>“We wish to pass on our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the passengers and pilot who were tragically killed,” he said.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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the crash will be completed in 30 days, however, a full report into what exactly went wrong before the crash will not be published for a year.</p>
<p>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. </p>
