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Pilot escapes injury following aircraft accident

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Responding to the incident: The recreational aircraft was badly damaged but the pilot walked away. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

The pilot of a two-seater light aircraft that came down heavily within the boundaries of the Shepparton airport on Sunday, February 6, has escaped injury.

Fire, ambulance, police and Shepparton Search and Rescue Squad responded to the incident at 10.30am.

On the scene: Emergency services responded to reports of a plane crash at 10.27am. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Despite the obvious damage to the plane the pilot was able to extract himself.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson confirmed one person was treated at the scene for shock but did not require transport to hospital.

In a statement the Australian Transport Safety Bureau said it received a report of a take-off accident involving a two-seat Arion Lightning light sport aircraft at Shepparton airport on Sunday morning.

"The aircraft was substantially damaged in the accident but the single pilot on-board was reported to be uninjured,“ the spokesperson said.

“As the accident involved a recreational category aircraft registered with the self-administering body for ultralight, recreational and light sport aircraft in Australia, Recreational Aviation Australia, any investigation into the accident would be conducted by RAAus and not the ATSB.”

“As such the ATSB does not have further information as to the circumstances of the accident.”

RAAus chief executive Matthew Bouttell said the incident will be investigated.

“The pilot is fine, he’s okay,” he said.

“We will take a look at what has occurred and see if there are any lessons to be learned.”