Aerobatic pilot killed in midair collision of Van's RV-7s near Sydney, Australia

(Photos courtesy Freedom Formation Display Team/Temora Flyers Inc) An Australian aerobatic pilot was killed on Sunday after a midair collision between two Van's Aircraft RV-7s. The collision happened around 12:15 p.m., near the Napperfield Airfield, a private airport in Wedderburn, near Appin, Australia, south of Sydney, according to the New South Wales Police Force. Four Van's RV-7 aircraft were taking part in a display formation and returning to the airport when two of the aircraft collided, according to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.(Photo from Aviation Safety Network) One crashed into nearby bushland, killing the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft. The Freedom Formation Display Team, founded in 2015 and now Australia's largest civilian formation team, identified the pilot as team manager Eddie Seve. "Eddie was many things to many people in general aviation, and his loss will be felt deeply and truly, particularly across the amateur-built, recreational, sport, and airshow communities," the team said in a statement. "To the team, he was a humble legend, a natural leader, a mentor, a father-figure, a trusted wingman, a flight-brother, an inspiration, and best of all, a mate." The Temora Flyers, an aviation nonprofit organization in NSW, shared its condolences on social media: "The pilot who passed was a highly respected member of the formation team and a strong supporter of youth in aviation. Their contribution to inspiring young people and promoting safe, professional flying will not be forgotten." Data from FlightAware shows Seve's aircraft left the airport at 11:42 a.m., flew east, and circled over the ocean. He then flew back towards the airport. He was in the air for about 28 minutes before the crash.(Photo from Freedom Formation Display Team) The other aircraft involved in the collision landed safely at the airport, and the pilot was not hurt, according to authorities. The ATSB is investigating the cause of the crash. This is the second crash to occur at the Napperfield Airfield this year. In May, another light aircraft crashed into the roof of a hangar. Rescuers reached the pilot in that crash, according to 7News Australia.RELATED ARTICLES:Indian Tejas fighter jet crashes at Dubai Airshow, killing pilotCoast Guard searching for crashed Cessna in Louisiana lakeFinal report blames 2023 Michigan crash on ice and snow on the wings