SYDNEY- A midair collision between a Cessna 182 and a Jabiru aircraft in Sydney’s south-west has claimed three lives, including former Qantas captain Gary “Gaz” Criddle, 72, and Khadiervali Gagguturu, 60.
The incident occurred when Criddle’s Cessna, traveling from Cessnock to Shellharbour Airport, collided with Gagguturu’s Jabiru, which had departed from The Oaks.
Qantas Pilot Sydney Collision
Criddle’s aviation career spanned multiple sectors. He served 36 years with Qantas as a captain and dedicated 20 years to military service in the Navy and Air Force, including a prestigious position with The Roulettes aerial display team.
His family expressed profound grief, highlighting his roles as a devoted family man and passionate aviator.
Captain Criddle’s influence extended beyond his immediate family, as he actively guided numerous aspiring pilots throughout his career. Beyond aviation, he harbored dreams of maritime exploration, planning extensive sailing ventures.
The impact of his loss resonates deeply within the Qantas community. Chief Pilot Richard Tobiano emphasized Captain Criddle’s esteemed position within the airline’s flying corps, announcing the company’s commitment to supporting those affected by this loss.
Jeff Criddle, the captain’s son, delivered an emotional tribute, emphasizing his father’s exceptional character and lasting impact on those around him.
The aviation community mourns the loss of a distinguished pilot who combined professional excellence with personal warmth and dedication to nurturing new talent in the field.
ATSB Investigates
A fatal mid-air collision occurred yesterday over Belimbla Park in Sydney’s Macarthur region when a Cessna, carrying a 72-year-old instructor and a 29-year-old pilot trainee, collided with another light aircraft during a flight from Hunter to Wollongong.
The incident claimed three lives, including experienced pilot Gary Criddle, his student, and 60-year-old Khadiervali Gagguturu, who had departed from The Oaks airport.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. ATSB records reveal that a Jabiru aircraft, matching Gagguturu’s plane’s specifications, experienced a crash under different ownership in 2022.
ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell details the investigation’s focus on critical flight data, including aircraft altitudes and velocities at the time of impact.
The collision occurred in “class-g” airspace, an uncontrolled zone where pilots operate under visual flight rules, requiring them to maintain visual awareness and avoid other aircraft independently.
The investigation team examines pilot compliance with standard communication protocols in this uncontrolled airspace. This incident represents Australia’s seventh mid-air collision within five years, highlighting ongoing concerns about aviation safety in uncontrolled airspace.
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