As it happened: Essendon Airport plane crash leaves five dead

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This was published 7 years ago

As it happened: Essendon Airport plane crash leaves five dead

Summary

  • A routine departure that turned to tragedy
  • All five people aboard a plane were killed when it crashed into the DFO shopping centre in Essendon about 9am on Tuesday
  • Pilot Max Quartermain was flying the Beechcraft King Air when it crashed
  • Two of the passengers were Texans flying to King Island for a golfing trip

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Motorists' dash cams captured the shocking sight of the crash this morning.

Footage from a motorist's dash cam captured the Essendon crash.

Footage from a motorist's dash cam captured the Essendon crash.Credit: Channel Nine

Pilot investigation

The pilot of the plane that crashed at Essendon Airport killing himself and four passengers on Tuesday was the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau that had been deferred on three separate occasions.

Max Quartermain, the 63-year-old owner and pilot for charter company Corporate and Leisure Aviation faced referral to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and possible suspension of his aviation licence over a "near collision" with another plane on Mount Hotham in September 2015.

Read more here.

Australia's worst aviation disasters

Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews today said the Essendon plane crash was the worst aviation tragedy in the state in the past 30 years.

Tony Wright reports that while major aviation disasters are rare in Australia, it wasn't always so.

Australia's worst civil aviation disaster, which took 29 lives, remains a ghastly mystery 56 years after it occurred.

Read more here.

The Fairchild Metroliner plane came down near the Lockhart river on Cape York Peninsula in Queensland.

The Fairchild Metroliner plane came down near the Lockhart river on Cape York Peninsula in Queensland.Credit: Queensland Police

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Haunting memories

Damian Murphy recalls reporting on the 1978 crash that left six members of a family dead after a plane crashed into their Essendon house.

Sam Gulle had returned home from work to find his wife Pauline, their sons Michael, 12, Robert, 6, and Graeme, 1 month, daughter Karen, 7, and Mrs Gulle's mother Phyllis Toms, had died in the house.

Read more here.

Sam Gulle sobbing as the coffin of his infant child is lowered into a grave.

Sam Gulle sobbing as the coffin of his infant child is lowered into a grave.Credit: Bruce Postle

Essendon Airport closed to traffic

Melbourne Airport will help accommodate air traffic unable to land at Essendon Airport, which will remain closed while an investigation into Tuesday's fatal crash takes place.

Emergency services aircraft, including fire bombers and air ambulances, will continue to fly out of Essendon but it is closed to all other traffic.

Three commercial carriers - Free Spirit Airlines, Jetgo and Sharp Airlines - fly scheduled services from Essendon to regional destinations including Burnie, King Island, Flinders Island, Merimbula and Dubbo.

The view from Essendon Airport's tarmac after the crash.

The view from Essendon Airport's tarmac after the crash.Credit: Getty Images

'Everyone in the industry knows him'

Aero engineer and pilot of 50 years Bob MacGillivray runs Edge Aviation, which offers flight training and consulting, said he knew Max Quartermain for 20 years, and had supplied Max with an operations manual.

He said Mr Quartermain had a good reputation in the aviation industry.

"He was well established in the industry, he has been around for a long time, everyone in the industry knows him," he said.

"I have never heard anything negative said about him."

Mr MacGillivray flew from Essendon Airport for 20 years, and also flew from King Air planes from La Trobe regional airport and Sale airport.

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US embassy sends condolences

A spokeswoman for the US Embassy has confirmed four US citizens were on board the flight.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died in today's tragic crash," she said.

"We can confirm four US citizens were on board the flight. The US Embassy in Canberra and US Consulate in Melbourne are working closely with local authorities.

"We stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance to the families of the victims. Out of respect for the privacy of the families, we have no further comment."

Essendon plane crash victims Greg De Haven (left) and Russell Munsch were from Texas.

Essendon plane crash victims Greg De Haven (left) and Russell Munsch were from Texas.Credit: Facebook

ATSB investigation

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the crash. Four of its investigators were sent to the scene on Tuesday.

The investigation will investigate the site and wreckage; gather data including radio and radar; and interview witnesses.

Emergency services at the crash scene.

Emergency services at the crash scene.Credit: Jason South

Student pilot remembers 'honest and reliable' friend

Max Quartermain gave fellow pilot Peter Mathew his start in the industry, flying fishing charters out to Flinders Island. On Monday Mr Mathew paid tribute to his friend.

"He gave me my start as a young pilot. He was a true gentleman. He was very honest, a very reliable person. Nothing ever got him down".

The hanger at the Essendon Airport were the plane was before this morning's crash.

The hanger at the Essendon Airport were the plane was before this morning's crash.Credit: Joe Armao

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Statement from DFO management

Angus McNaughton, CEO and Managing Director of Vicinity Centres, the owner of DFO Essendon and the Essendon Homemaker Centre, thanked the emergency services for their rapid response to the crash. And he expressed sincere condolences to the families of those who were killed.
"This is a tragic day for our community. On behalf of everyone at Vicinity Centres, our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with those who have lost their lives today and their families.

"This has affected us all deeply. The welfare of the community and our team members remains paramount, and we are providing ongoing support to those who need it.

"Emergency services remain in control of the Homemaker Centre, and together with Essendon Fields, we are offering all assistance the authorities require. We would like to thank Emergency Services and first responders for their immediate assistance and dedication.

"The Homemaker Centre where the accident occurred, and the adjacent DFO Centre, will remain closed until further notice. We are communicating with our retailers and customers and will be keeping them updated," he said.

Mr McNaughton said Vicinity Centres would continue to work closely with authorities, and provide more updates as further information became available.

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