Young pilot killed in plane crash identified

The young pilot who lost his life in a tragic light aircraft crash in South Australia's far north has been identified as Adam Snell, 22.

Mr Snell's plane crashed into a paddock near Mulgathing, about 260km southwest of Coober Pedy and 800km northwest of Adelaide, about 9.30am on Thursday.

He was the sole occupant of the Cessna 172 and died in the crash.

Major accident investigators and forensic services officers attended the scene, along with officers from the Far North Local Service Area, police said in a statement on Thursday evening.

“The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will investigate the incident,” police said.

“Safework SA has been informed of the death and police will prepare a report for the coroner.”

Mulgathing Station, operated by Jumbuck Pastoral, is located in the Glendambo and Cooper Pedy region and approximately 120km west of the Stuart Highway.

A Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft flew to the scene of the crash.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr. Snell had been working for Jumbuck Pastoral since December 2023.

“I have a true passion for the industry and am looking to challenge myself by pursuing new opportunities,” his profile states.

He graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Aviation.

It was the first light aircraft crash to hit South Australia on Thursday.

Hours later, a plane crashed while trying to land at Evelyn Downs, north of Coober Pedy, about 2pm on Thursday.

The 42-year-old lone pilot, from Arcoona, was flown more than 1,000km south-east to Adelaide for treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.