A pilot was killed Sunday when two light aircraft collided mid-air during an aerobatic formation display in Wedderburn, Australia, located in Sydney’s southwest. The incident occurred near the Wedderburn Airstrip, also known as Napperfield Airfield, close to the suburb of Appin.
Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 12:15 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2025, after reports of the collision. One aircraft crashed into nearby bushland, while the second plane managed to land safely at the airfield. The pilot who crashed was the sole occupant of his aircraft and was pronounced dead at the scene. The second pilot was uninjured.
The deceased pilot has been identified as Eddie Seve, 64, from Sydney’s Hills District. He was the founder of the Freedom Formation Display Team, the largest formation aerobatic display team in the Southern Hemisphere. The other pilot involved in the collision was identified as Ollie Geraghty, who successfully landed his aircraft without injury.
According to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, four aircraft were involved in a formation flight when two of them collided during the return to land. The aircraft were conducting an aerobatic display before heading back to the airfield. Both planes involved in the collision were RV-7 aircraft, which are home-built, single-engine, two-seat planes popular among aerobatic enthusiasts.
Flight-tracking data indicates the aircraft departed from Wedderburn Airstrip at 11:40 a.m. The formation flew toward the southeast, passing over several coastal communities including Austinmer, Coledale and Wombarra, before turning back toward the airfield. The collision occurred approximately 35 minutes after takeoff as the planes were preparing to land.
New South Wales Police established two crime scenes following the incident and urged members of the public to avoid the area. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau launched an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Investigators will examine the wreckage and undertake detailed site mapping in the coming days.
Investigators will interview the other pilots who were part of the formation flight, as well as witnesses and other involved parties. The bureau will also collect recorded information, including air traffic control data, flight tracking records, pilot qualifications, aircraft maintenance records and weather conditions at the time of the incident. A preliminary report is expected to be released in approximately two months.
The Freedom Formation Display Team released a statement confirming the accident. “The Freedom Formation Team can sadly confirm that there has been an accident involving some of our aircraft today in Sydney’s southwest,” the organization said. “We are working to fully support the relevant authorities as they take the lead in coordinating the emergency response. We are also supporting the team members and their families.”
Tributes have poured in for Seve from the aviation community. Stuart Hutchison, a friend of the pilot, described him as a humble and considerate man. “A humble, kind, considerate, well-spoken man, forever encouraging and helping others, sharing his passion for aviation with anyone eager to reach for the sky, kit builders and flyers alike,” he said. Hutchison added that the sport aviation community would miss Seve both on the ground and in the air.
He recently performed with his team at the Gold Coast Airshow and visited Shellharbour Airport on July 19, 2025, where the Freedom Formation Display Team performed a tight formation pass before landing.
The Temora Flyers, another aerobatic organization, also paid tribute to Seve. The group acknowledged the loss and noted his contributions to inspiring young people interested in aviation. They emphasized his role as a strong supporter of youth involvement in aviation and his commitment to promoting safe, professional flying practices.
Aviation experts note that formation flying requires extensive training and coordination among pilots. While formation flying is a common practice for display teams worldwide, it carries inherent risks due to the reduced separation between aircraft. Display teams typically undergo rigorous training and practice sessions to minimize these risks.
The investigation into this incident will likely examine factors including pilot coordination, communication between aircraft, mechanical conditions of both planes, weather conditions and the specific maneuvers being performed at the time of collision. The ATSB has requested that anyone who witnessed the accident or has footage of either aircraft during any phase of the flight contact the bureau to assist with the investigation.