'No words to describe the grief': Family shares message after plane crash kills 3 children and grandfather
Initial reports suggest the aircraft's built-in parachute system did not deploy, but investigations are still ongoing
NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA: The families of the four people who died in the terrifying plane crash in New South Wales have spoken out for the first time since the catastrophe.
The light plane that Peter Nally, 65, was piloting crashed Friday, October 6, at around 2.50 pm, killing him along with his three grandchildren, Raphael, 11, Evita, 9, and Philomena, 6, as reported by Daily Mail.
Family's statement
Family members of Nally said in a brief statement released by NSW Police, "There are no words to describe the grief our family is feeling at this time. We are appreciative of the overwhelming support we continue to receive from our extended family and friends as well as the local community."
The statement adds, "As we are still coming to terms with our loss, we ask that the media respect our privacy while we grieve and process this tragedy," as reported by Canberra Times.
An experienced pilot from Bunya, Queensland, Nally was returning his three grandchildren to his daughter Elyse's house in Armidale, northern New South Wales, after spending time with relatives in the Canberra suburb of Ainsley.
A devastating crash
Controllers' desperate attempts to contact Nally were captured on chilling audio. The plane crashed and caught fire minutes later on a rural property near Lake George in the NSW Tablelands. Upon impact, the car was completely destroyed, instantly killing everyone inside.
When a witness noticed flames coming from the wreckage, they called for help and emergency services arrived. Although fire crews put out the fire, those on board were doomed.
Failure of parachute system
Initial reports suggest the aircraft's built-in parachute system did not deploy, but investigations into what caused the fatal crash are ongoing. A terrifying audio recording describes the last moments of those on board the small plane that crashed close to Canberra and the desperate attempts of air traffic control to contact them.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said on Saturday, "Over coming days, investigators with experience in aircraft operations and maintenance will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities on site."
According to the ATSB, it could take up to 8 weeks before a preliminary report on the disaster is released. According to The Daily Telegraph, the family's plane was in excellent condition, and Friday's weather was perfect for flying.
