Community
25 May, 2026
Agencies use plane crash simulation to hone response skills
Emergency response personnel from across the Southern Highlands have used a simulated plane crash in Mittagong to hone their response skills.
Emergency response personnel from across the Southern Highlands have used a simulated plane crash in Mittagong to hone their response skills.
Exercise Byrne was led by NSW Police but also involved the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW State Emergency Service and NSW Ambulance.
The May 16 exercise was designed to enhance the region’s multi-agency response to a real plane crash during bushfire operations.
The scenario simulated a small aircraft crashing at the Mittagong Aero Club airfield after experiencing mechanical failure and conducting an emergency landing.
Emergency services personnel were tested to retrieve a number of trapped people from the aircraft while dealing with a number of risks including fire and hazardous materials.
The Hume Police District Chief Inspector Brendan Bernie said the exercise was critical for ensuring agencies can respond to complex emergencies.
“This type of scenario presents significant risks including fire, fuel hazards and serious injury, particularly in a bushfire environment,” Chief Inspector Bernie said.
“Exercises like this ensure all agencies can work together seamlessly to protect life, property and the environment during real emergencies.
“This exercise was chosen as the region is no stranger to bushfire emergencies and the airstrip is used by the Rural Fire Service to refuel during bushfire emergencies.
“The aim is to make the exercise as real as possible to ensure the skills learnt can be easily transferred into a major operation.”
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