Businessman critical after plane crash
A prominent Mid West businessman and pilot remains in a critical condition this morning after the light plane he was flying crashed in a paddock near Geraldton Airport.
Gerry Gould, president of the Nationals WA Geraldton branch, was believed to be unconscious when airport workers reached the burning plane shortly after it crashed about 3.40pm.
Witnesses described how the plane came in "too fast, too low" on approach to the airport, about 400km north of Perth, and burst into flames on impact.
The principal of Geraldton Hydraulics, Mr Gould, 60, is a respected member of the Geraldton community and a keen pilot.
A Royal Flying Doctor Service spokeswoman said last night he was in a critical condition with third degree burns to about 70 per cent of his body.
A Geraldton airport worker was burnt when he tried to help free Mr Gould, the only person aboard the plane.
The men were rushed to Geraldton Regional Hospital and Mr Gould was flown to Royal Perth Hospital last night. The airport worker was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital this morning.
Pilot Gerry Gould.
The RFDS spokeswoman said she believed the airport worker's burns were not life-threatening.
A trainee pilot who was flying at the time said there was no emergency call and everything happened "very quickly".
Firefighters, police and nearby workers rushed to the scene and pulled the trapped pilot from the wreckage as it burned.
Construction worker Pat Bourke said she "bolted for the crash site" in a company water truck to put out the fire. Police hailed Ms Bourke and the first-responders as a "godsend".
Nationals WA leader Brendon Grylls said the party's prayers were with Mr Gould and his family.
Nationals MLA for Moore Shane Love described Mr Gould as a well-liked man who worked hard for his party and region.
"It's a great shock," he said. Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the cause of the crash.
Two police officers who helped rescue the stricken pilot have had medical tests over fears they were exposed to toxic particles as a result of the fire.
The crash scene remains under police guard this morning and will be handed over to the Australian
Transport Safety Bureau. Officers from the bureau are expected to arrive about noon.
Picture: Rob Browning/Geraldton Guardian
