Bankstown airport has been closed for the past half hour, after a twin declared an emergency. The aircraft circled the airport several times before making a perfect wheels up landing. Everyone onboard was safe and emergency vehicles were at the scene immediately. A great result by the pilot.
I had just been photographing a beautiful 1943 model Cessna 195 and Stearman
A75N1, when I became aware of the emergency. I raced back to the car for my longer lens, and arrived back on the grass area near the Police Air Wing just as the aircraft came to a halt. The sound of metal on the ground is somewhat eerie.
Runway 29L is now being used for arrivals, with 29C and 29R closed due to the emergency and the disabled aircraft.
Moments after the aircraft came to a stop, the pilot and two passengers have a group hug away from the aircraft, no doubt feeling very relieved.
Fire Fighters were first on the scene to secure the site in case of fire.
Ambulance crews arrive to check on the pilot and passengers.
Fire Brigade, Ambulance and Police all attended the scene.
The
Cabri G2 VH-CDU operated by Helicopter Transport And Training, took off and flew right around the scene
The pilot draped in a blanket to keep warm and in case of shock.
Airport Operations Security escort the emergency vehicles from the scene, back across Runway 29R to the Terminal area.
Both propellers were damaged during the landing.
