A man has been killed in a light plane crash in Lethbridge, north-west of Geelong.
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Emergency services were called to the Lethbridge Airport, on the Midland Highway, just after midday.
Police say the pilot was the only occupant and died at the scene.
The airport's owner, Garry Baum, said the pilot was aged in his 80s and had only just taken off and was about 60 metres in the air when he appeared to get into difficulty.
#BREAKING: @VictoriaPolice confirm a man has died following a light plane crash at Lethbridge, near Geelong. #9News pic.twitter.com/XIsNM70Yhm— Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb)
July 8, 2015
"The plane took off then lost height and bounced a couple of times and it has gone onto it's nose," Mr Baum said.
"I'm not sure if the pilot tried to put it down or if he had a medical condition or what."
Mr Baum said he and a retired doctor rushed to the plane to find the pilot slumped in his seat and without a pulse.
The plane was not badly damaged.
The man had been a recreational pilot for several years and recently re-sat his licence test, Mr Baum said.
UPDATE | Police: a light plane experienced trouble landing and crashed near Lethbridge. The pilot died at the scene. pic.twitter.com/xDl4iINhOz— 7NewsMelbourne (@7NewsMelbourne)
July 8, 2015