A HUSBAND and wife were killed in a “gruesome and devastating” plane crash alongside their friend.
Andrew Connors, 55, his wife Julianne, 54, and their close friend Colin McLachlan, 73, all died in the fiery crash at around 10am on Saturday.
7
7
The trio had arrived at the Shellharbour Airport in New South Wales at about 9.30am after boarding the Piper Cherokee Lance fixed-wing aircraft, but their trip ended in horror.
“They’d hardly got up in the air and burst into flames, it’s just so horrible,” one friend said.
The aircraft took off from the westward runway and climbed to just 30 metres before disaster struck.
Witnesses saw the left wing dip, smashing into the tarmac and sending the plane skidding across the runway.
Seconds after impact it before it was engulfed by flames.
“The plane has taken off on the tarmac and gone about 30 meters into the air,” Lake Illawarra Police District Chief Inspector Aaron Wunderlich said.
“At that point, witnesses [said] the aircraft dipped with its left wing coming down and it contacted the tarmac.
“Unfortunately, the plane was engulfed (by fire).”
A Rural Fire Service truck happened to be nearby on a training exercise and raced to the scene, but there was nothing anyone could do.
All three victims died on impact.
The aircraft’s blue and white tail was the only part left intact, with the rest of the fuselage completely destroyed.
Images showed a blackened runway littered with debris as police and firefighters surveyed the wreck.
“It’s quite a gruesome scene,” Inspector Wunderlich said.
“We’ve got several witnesses that were here, we had RFS on the scene for a training exercise … also people at the HARS (Aviation) museum have witnessed it and we’ve got some CCTV that captures part of the incident.”
7
7
He added: “I’d like to thank the emergency response … with what was really a difficult incident.
“They did a fantastic job with what was really a horrific scene.”
The Connors, from Illawarra, leave behind two children in their 20s.
Their son arrived at the airport after the crash, telling officers his parents were headed to Bathurst, around 170km away.
It’s understood the group were flying to the Bathurst 1000 motor race.
The couple have been remembered as “beautiful friends” and pillars of the community.
The parents-of-two had operated a local building company together for more than 30 years.
“He was one of those guys that just would do anything to help someone,” a close friend said.
Lisa Hugo wrote online: “Soo very grateful you chose to visit and stay with us last week in the Hunter and what a week it was, a fantastic time that we will cherish forever.”
As two directors of Tumut Valley Holiday Park, they were described as “visionary leaders” in a statement from the business.
They have been described by shocked friends and neighbours as a “beautiful family” who were friendly and generous and fun-loving.
“This unexpected loss has deeply affected all of us,” it said. “Andrew and Jules were not just directors; they were visionary leaders.
“Their legacy will continue to inspire us as we carry forward the values they embodied.”
Andrew, who owned and piloted the plane, had run Connors Building since 1999. The construction industry paid tribute to the much-loved couple.
“Andrew and Jules, you will be greatly missed,” City Building Approvals Pty Ltd wrote.
“Andrew, that smile, your willingness to help, and your love for life will never be forgotten.
“Nothing was ever too hard for you, mate. You truly lived life to the fullest, and you’ve left a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to have crossed paths with you.
“God bless my friend, you’ll be deeply missed but never forgotten.”
Federal MP for Whitlam, Carol Berry, said: “On behalf of everyone in the Whitlam electorate I offer condolences to the families and loved ones of the three victims of this tragedy.”
Local MP Katelin McInerney called the crash “devastating”.
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved in the crash, as well as the dedicated first responders,” she said.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a full investigation.
Four investigators from Canberra and Melbourne, specialising in aircraft operations, maintenance and engineering, are at the site collecting wreckage, drone footage and maintenance records.
“Investigators will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities including site survey with a drone, wreckage examination, and recovery of any aircraft components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra,” a spokesman said.
“The ATSB asks anyone with video footage of the aircraft prior to the accident to make contact via the witness form on our website: atsb.gov.au/witness at their earliest opportunity.”
7
7