Crash site at Long Bay, near Goolwa South,
An experienced pilot and his two teenage passengers have been found dead after a light plane on a scenic flight crashed into the ocean off the South Australian coast.
The aircraft crashed into the ocean in Long Bay, near Goolwa South, just before 4.30pm local time (5pm AEDT) in front of several beachgoers, which sparked a major emergency response.

The bodies of the three individuals aboard have now been recovered, including the 57-year-old pilot, Leo Howard, along with his two passengers, aged 18 and 19.

Crash site at Long Bay, near Goolwa South,
An experienced pilot and his two teenage passengers have been killed in a light plane crash off the South Australian coast.(Nine)

The ill-fated aircraft, a Cessna 210 Centurion, is a single-engine model operated by Goolwa Air, a local charter and training company.

Authorities have successfully retrieved the wreckage of the small plane and brought it to land.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched an investigation to uncover the reasons behind the crash.

Investigators will particularly examine why Howard seemingly lost control during the flight’s final moments and will scrutinize the 40-year-old plane’s maintenance and flight records.

The findings will be compiled into a report for the coroner.

A report will also be prepared for the coroner. 

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