Bird strike caused Chinchilla plane crash that killed pilot Tom Grey, ATSB finds

Tom Grey had only been flying for aerial agriculture company Smart Air Services for a short time when tragedy struck. Key points: 32-year-old Tom Grey died in September last year when the plane he was flying crashed into a field The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has now found a bird strike led to the incident Mr Grey was remembered at the time as someone with a "cheeky smile" and a "positive outlook on life" On September 19 last year, the 32-year-old was flying a crop duster when it crashed into a field at Cananga near Chinchilla on Queensland's Western Downs, killing him. "That cheeky smile, quick wit, and positive outlook on life is what made him such a lovable bloke who was impossible not to like," a Smart Air Services spokesperson said at the time. "It was also noted that feathers were found on the pilot's neck and chest, but it could not be determined whether they were the direct result of the bird strike or from the accident sequence." "An ag pilot is a special type of person, they are incredibly skilful at their craft," the Smart Air Services spokesperson said last September.