A man and his three grandchildren who perished when their plane crashed and caught alight near Canberra have been identified, as investigations into the tragedy continue.
Queensland pilot Peter Nally and three of his grandchildren — Raphael, 11, Evita, 9, and Philomena, 6 — were killed when their Cirrus SR22 light plane went down in a paddock at Gundaroo, near Lake George, on Friday.
The experienced pilot was heading back to Armidale after visiting family in Canberra and was understood to be just 16 minutes into the three-hour journey when the aircraft crashed.
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Investigators believe a built-in parachute system, part of the standard safety equipment on the aircraft, failed to open as the plane descended.
The victims’ grieving 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 on Sunday.
“We are appreciative of the overwhelming support we continue to receive from our extended family and friends, as well as the local community.”
Nally was an active member of the Redcliffe Aero Club.
“The Redcliffe Aero Club expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the pilot and passengers who were tragically killed,” the club said.
“The pilot was active in the social side of the club, with many hours of flying experience.”
Pilot’s final message
Recordings of air traffic control transmissions from moments before the crash reveal Nally’s final message just five minutes into the flight.
“Four miles east to Canberra, resume navigation, and track direct to Cullen,” a traffic control voice can be heard orienting the pilot.
“Right, Cullen, Mike Sierra Foxtrot,” the pilot’s voice can be heard saying in the last audio recorded from the plane.
Air traffic controllers tried to reach Nally several times but were met with silence.
Police said a local resident called emergency services after seeing the flames and smoke on impact.
Authorities say the investigation into the crash will be complicated by the extent of damage to the aircraft.
Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) teams are on site but expect the investigation to be a “difficult undertaking”.
“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.
Investigators are expected to map the site, examine the wreckage and recover aircraft components for further examination at technical facilities in Canberra.
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.
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.
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