Posted by 
New mum Kate Callingham, 39, and Country Fire Association volunteer Greig Wanless, 73, have been identified as the two people killed in yesterday’s light plane crash in Victoria’s alpine region.
The family friends were flying over Mount Beauty in a powered glider to scatter the ashes of Callingham’s late father, who was also Wanless’ best friend.
The aircraft was just short of the runway when it suddenly nose-dived at 300 feet, killing both passenger and pilot.
“I was playing golf and I saw it over the trees… going in circles. a bit lower than usual,” witness Mitch McDermott told 9News.
To add to the tragedy, Callingham leaves behind a five-month old baby.
Her friends and family had arrived at Mount Beauty on Friday to farewell her father.
They had gathered for a memorial service yesterday afternoon and witnessed the crash unfold.
The crash left the community reeling. Plenty CFA, where Wanless volunteered, flew flags at half mast in his honour.
Wanless was a dedicated father-of-three, an experienced pilot and a former teacher.
His wife, Karen, said her husband “died doing the two thing he loved – flying and helping people”.
The Australian Glider Federation is working with Victoria Police to work out how yesterday’s tragedy occurred.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has also been notified.
Mount Beauty Airport will remain closed until at least tomorrow.
