'Lived life to the fullest': Tributes to trio killed in light plane crash south of Sydney

Air crash investigators have spent the day combing through the wreckage of a light plane crash that left three people dead south of Sydney.

The Albion Park community is mourning husband and wife Andrew and Julieanne Connors, and their family friend Colin McLaughlin.

Investigators are meticulously documenting the spot where three lives were lost as locals pay their respects with flowers. 

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They trio were on board a light plane bound for Bathurst yesterday morning when it crashed at Shellharbour Airport in Albion Park.

They're being remembered as pillars of the community.

Andrew's mates in the construction industry offered condolences to the Connors and McLaughlin families.

"You truly lived life to the fullest, and you've left a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to have crossed paths with you," City Building Approvals wrote.

Andrew and Julieanne ran Tumut Valley Holiday Park in the Snowy Mountains.

Those who worked there with them called them "visionary leaders".

"Their legacy will continue to inspire us as we carry forward the values they embodied," she said.

With the site now carefully photographed, the plane is being taken away to be thoroughly examined, but it'll be months at least before investigators rule on the cause of the crash.

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The Piper Cherokee Lance was built in 1975 and owned by the Connors family since 2013.

Its maintenance records and flight history are now crucial evidence.