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Renowned Aerobatic Pilot Eddie Seve Killed in Mid‑Air Collision Near Sydney

On Nov. 30, two Van's RV‑7 aircraft collided in mid‑air near Napperfield Airfield in Wedderburn, New South Wales. One plane crashed and its pilot, identified as Eddie Seve, was killed; the other aircraft landed safely and its pilot was uninjured. Seve — founder of the Freedom Formation Display Team — had been flying in a four‑plane formation. The ATSB has launched an investigation and will interview involved pilots and witnesses.

04:12 AM, 12/01/2025Society
Renowned Aerobatic Pilot Eddie Seve Killed in Mid‑Air Collision Near Sydney

A veteran aerobatic pilot has died after his aircraft collided mid‑air with another light plane near a private airfield in New South Wales on Sunday, Nov. 30.

Emergency services were alerted at about 12:15 p.m. local time to Napperfield Airfield in the Sydney suburb of Wedderburn. Two small Van's RV‑7 aircraft struck each other while operating close together; one aircraft crashed into a nearby rural area and the other managed to return to the airfield and land safely.

Authorities located the body of the pilot in the downed aircraft. He has been identified as Eddie Seve, an experienced aerobatic flyer and founder of the Freedom Formation Display Team. The pilot of the second aircraft was uninjured.

Flight tracking data and accounts from witnesses indicate Seve's amateur‑built RV‑7 departed just after 11:40 a.m., flew east briefly over water, then turned back toward the airfield before the collision. Both aircraft involved were reported to be RV‑7 two‑seat, single‑engine planes.

A witness who spoke with local media said the planes had been flying in a four‑plane formation and were operating very close together prior to the impact. The witness described severe damage to Seve's aircraft and said the surviving plane appeared to have "only lost a wheel."

"The other plane got chopped with the prop, and then the fuselage parted, and it came down. It sounded like someone landed on my hangar — it was so loud," the witness recalled.

Another witness said one pilot broke off from the formation and another followed, after which the collision occurred. The second aircraft completed a return landing and its pilot was reported unharmed.

The Temora Flyers issued a statement mourning the loss, describing Seve as "a highly respected member of the formation team and a strong supporter of youth in aviation," and extending condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has opened an investigation into the accident. Investigators said they will interview the other pilots involved in the formation flight, as well as witnesses and other parties connected to the incident.

Authorities ask anyone with relevant footage or information to contact investigators to assist with the inquiry.

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