Brothers aged 20 and 16 killed alongside relative, 15, in light plane crash in Victoria
Two "delightful" brothers and their teenage relative have been killed after their plane plummeted into a paddock and caught fire.
Luke Smith, 20, was behind the aircraft's controls when the plane crashed in Victoria's Gippsland.
The licensed pilot had his 16-year-old brother, Ben, and a 15-year-old relative on board.
READ MORE: Protesters heckle shoppers outside Myer's Christmas windows but main rally stays away
Luke Smith, 20, was behind the aircraft's controls when the plane crashed in Victoria's Gippsland. Nine
Aviation Consultant Lorraine MacGilliray said she believes the plane was only bought recently.
"They were all absolutely delightful human beings, and, so this is a terrible loss."
ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said authorities are investigating.
The licensed pilot, Luke Smith, had his 16-year-old brother, Ben, and a 15-year-old relative on board. Nine
"Certainly a very tragic outcome in what is only a month and a half before Christmas," he said.
Residents noticed the light aircraft late yesterday afternoon and say something sounded off.
"It went past about three times for about 30 seconds when I heard the engine stall or what I thought it was the engine and I just freaked out," Laura Logan said.
It's believed the group was planning to fly back to West Sale Airport in the Morgan Cougar MK1. Nine
The amateur-built plane took off from West Sale Airport around 5.30pm.
Witnesses saw it circling in the sky above Maffra.
READ MORE: Wild weather warning for multiple states as storms roll across country
Then it travelled west and crashed 15 minutes later.
It's believed the group was planning to fly back to West Sale Airport in the Morgan Cougar MK1.
Investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau will spend the next couple of days combing the crash scene for evidence in an effort to work out what went so wrong.
"It is very important for us to not only understand what occurred here, but equally are there any recommendations we can deliver to reduce the likelihood of this happening again," Mitchell said.
READ MORE: Fresh warnings issued as bushfire spreads in western Victoria
Investigators will also interview witnesses and collect information as part of the probe into the crash. Nine
It's the 17th deadly plane crash this year.
Investigators will also interview witnesses and collect information as part of the probe into the crash.
The ATSB urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has footage or photos.
The investigation's first report into the fatal crash could take about six to eight weeks.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
