Talented young trainee pilot identified as third person killed in horror South Australian plane crash – as it’s revealed a split second decision cost him his life
The third victim of a tragic plane crash in South Australia has been identified as a young trainee pilot who’d decided to join the flight at the last minute.
Lucas Di Biase, a 20-year-old from the southern Adelaide suburb Pasadena, was aboard the light plane when it nosedived into the water off Goolwa South, in the state’s south, about 4.30pm on Friday.
Mr Di Biase was travelling with two others – Morphett Vale man Leo Howard, 53, and Tristan Scheffers, 18 – with the three confirmed to have died in the crash.
‘Lucas was not meant to be on the flight on Friday but never hesitated to jump in the back seat of another flight as he’s done many times before,’ Lucas’ mother Koula said in a family statement, 7News reported.
‘An unimaginable tragedy to lose such an accomplished young man with the world at his feet.’
Mr Di Biase had dreamed of being a pilot since he was a toddler.
‘To our beautiful boy Lucas there are no words,’ the statement said.
‘We are so devastated and can’t believe you’re gone.
Lucas Di Biase (above) was one of three men killed in a plane crash on Friday afternoon
The plane (above) nose dived off the South Australian coast on Friday
‘All you ever wanted to do since you were a toddler was to become a pilot.
‘You were so passionate about flying. You worked so hard, graduated at the top of your class, was mentoring student pilots and booked to fly to Darwin on Monday to follow your dreams.’
Mr Di Biase’s family described him as ‘funny, smart, fearless and loved by everyone’.
‘We don’t know how we are supposed to carry on without you. We’ll miss your daily calls, your conversations, your laughter and the joy you brought to us. We’ll try to stay strong for your sister,’ the statement read.
‘We love you so much. Forever in our hearts. Forever 20. Fly high our beautiful boy.’
Witnesses described the plane spinning before hitting the ocean with a loud bang.
Goolwa Surf Lifesavers immediately deployed jet rescue boats and fought two-metre-high waves to reach the scene.
However, all three aboard were tragically found dead.
All three men aboard the plane were found deceased (pictured are emergency services at the scene)
Tristan Scheffers also sadly died in the crash
Mr Howard was listed as the pilot responsible for all aerobatic flights at the local training centre Goolwa Air.
The website describes him as a ‘highly experienced aerobatic pilot with a passion for precision flying and a strong focus on safety’.
‘Leo was a highly respected and experienced pilot. He was a loved family man, son, father and brother,’ Mr Howard’s sister Mercedes told The Advertiser.
‘We are devastated at this time and send our condolences to the other families involved.’
South Australian Police (SAPOL) said officers received reports of the crash near Goolwa South about 4.20pm on Friday.
‘Police and emergency services responded immediately,’ a statement said.
‘The wreckage of the plane has been brought to shore.’
Water Police, a helicopter, Sea Rescue and three Country Fire Service vehicles assisted in the massive search and rescue operation.
Morphett Vale man Leo Howard (above) was also aboard
Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigators attended the scene on Saturday and investigations into the crash are ongoing.
Four investigators, who have specialist expertise as pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers and in human factors, inspected the scene.
Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.
