Sydney plane crash: Pilot Gareth Morgan's family describe his death as 'devastating'
Updated
The family of the pilot killed in Sunday's Sydney seaplane crash have described his death as "devastating", as authorities launch an investigation into the incident.
Key points:
- Six people died in the seaplane crash on New Year's Eve
- The 55-year-old aircraft was removed from the Hawkesbury River yesterday
- An investigation into the cause of the incident has begun
Gareth Morgan, an experienced pilot working for Sydney Seaplanes, was one of six people killed when the de Haviland DHC-2 Beaver plunged into the Hawkesbury River on New Year's Eve.
His family today arrived in Sydney from Canada.
"We would like to thank the police and emergency services for their great diligence at this tragic time," they said in a statement.
"We would also like to give thanks to the civilians that tried to assist in the immediate aftermath of the accident and also Gareth's friends and colleagues in Australia who have helped us through the last few days.
"Gareth was a wonderful and caring son and brother who never ceased to make us proud. His loss is devastating.
"Please respect our privacy over the coming days and allow us space to grieve."
Yesterday, the main body of the 55-year-old aircraft, including the engine, the propeller, the floats and the tail, were lifted out of the water and lowered onto a barge in Jerusalem Bay.
All parts of the plane will be taken to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau in Canberra for analysis.
The other people killed in the crash were leading British CEO Richard Cousins, his two sons, his fiancee and her 11-year-old daughter.
Mr Morgan had 10,000 hours' flying experience, including more than 9,000 in seaplanes.
The crash was witnessed by many boating in the area, including four men on a houseboat who were on the scene within a minute and made attempts to rescue the victims.
Topics: air-and-space, accidents, disasters-and-accidents, cowan-2081
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