Lights and sirens on the runway at Tamworth Regional Airport signalled a major emergency.
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But there was really "no need for alarm" as it was all part of a training exercise involving some of the region's first responders.
The exercise replicated a crash landing and involved the death of a number of passengers, demanding a combined response from local crews.
"The scenario for Undershoot 22 involves a Dash 8 aircraft impacting the ground short of the runway, coming to rest with the cabin separated behind the wings," Tamworth Regional Council said.
"The aircraft has 24 passengers, two pilots and one crew member on board.
"Due to the nature of the impact, loss of life will be high."
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The exercise involved local members of the NSW Police Force, Ambulance Service of NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and Tamworth Regional Council staff.
It's an exercise that must be run at the airport every couple of years "as part of Civil Aviation and Safety Authority requirements," said the Tamworth Regional Council.
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