The family of a man and his three grandchildren killed in a plane crash near Canberra say there are “no words” for how they are feeling as they process the tragedy.
Peter Nally was flying his three grandchildren – Raphael, 11, Evita, 9, and Philomena, 6 – back to Armidale on Friday afternoon after visiting family in Canberra when the light plane crashed and caught alight in a paddock at Gundaroo, north of Queanbeyan.
It is understood the experienced pilot was just 16 minutes into the three-hour journey when tragedy struck.
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Investigators believe a built-in parachute system, which is part of the standard safety equipment on the Cirrus SR22, failed to open as the plane plunged 9000 feet, exploding on impact.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze but the five-seater was destroyed in what police described as a “catastrophic” crash.
In a statement on Sunday, the victims’ family said they were still coming to terms with the devastating loss.
“There are no words to describe the grief our family is feeling at this time,” they said.
“We are appreciative of the overwhelming support we continue to receive from our extended family and friends, as well as the local community.”
Authorities say the investigation into the crash will be complicated by the extent of damage to the aircraft.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said on Saturday that teams are already at the site.
“This will be a difficult undertaking given how burnt the wreckage is. But over the coming days, I am fully confident that the investigators will gather as much information and evidence as they can from the accident site,” the ATSB’s Colin McNamara said.
ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said over the coming days, investigators will map the site, examine the wreckage and recover aircraft components for further examination at technical facilities in Canberra.
“Investigators will also seek to interview any witnesses and involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information including flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information,” Mitchell said on Friday.
ATSB crews will also monitor for spilled chemicals, burnt carbon fibre and possible explosive materials.
Engineers will study the plane’s maintenance log as well as the flight history of the pilot in coming days, McNamara said.
McNamara then praised the first responders to the scene.
“These are indeed tragic circumstances exacerbated by the news that children have been involved,” he said.
The Redcliffe Aero Club released a statement mourning Nally, who was an active member of the club.
“The Redcliffe Aero Club expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the pilot and passengers who were tragically killed,” the organisation said.
“The pilot was active in the social side of the club, with many hours of flying experience.”
Flight information shows the single-engine aircraft arrived in Canberra on Wednesday after travelling via Armidale from Redcliffe, north of Brisbane.
A preliminary report on the crash is expected to be published by the ATSB in about six to eight weeks.
“The ATSB will publish a final report, detailing contributing factors and any identified safety issues, at the conclusion of the investigation,” ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said on Friday.
Any witnesses to the crash or anyone who may have video of the plane is asked to contact the ATSB via atsb.gov.au/witness.
– With AAP
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