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Third victim identified after two light planes collide over Sydney, wife pays tribute to ‘wonderful’ husband

Posted on by L. Dreeye
Third victim identified after two light planes collide over Sydney, wife pays tribute to ‘wonderful’ husband

The family of one of three men killed in a light plane crash in Sydney’s south-west have described him as a man who “made everything brighter”.

Jake Anastas, 29, was flying one of two light aircraft that collided in mid-air at Belimbla Park on Saturday.

Mr Anastas was completing training for his commercial pilot’s license when the crash occurred and Mr Anastas was being instructed by Qantas captain Gary Criddle, 72.

A woman and a man smile while taking a selfie inside a helicopter. Both are wearing headphones, the man is a pilot.

Those close to Jake Anastas said he spent almost half his life in the sky, having fallen in love with flying in his youth. (ABC News: Delivered)

In a statement to ABC News, his wife Tori Anastas paid tribute to her partner.

She described him as a “loving, caring and wonderful husband who made a huge impact on everyone in his life.”

“Jake has spent almost half his life in the skies, falling in love with flying at a young age. He loved to fly and made everything brighter, he always made me feel like I could soar with him,” she said. 

“He was my best friend and my world.”

One of the aircraft was traveling from Cessnock to Wollongong and the other from Oakes airfield.

Khadervali Gagguturu, 60, was the pilot of the second plane.

Hadervali Gagguturu in sunglasses takes a selfie in front of an airplane

Mr Gagguturu’s son said he had “helped everyone”. (Delivered)

Mr Gagguturu’s son Salim said those who knew him were “devastated” by his death.

“He went out of his way to help anyone and everyone,” he told ABC News.

“My mother, brother and I love him dearly and his loss has left us and all our family and friends devastated and broken.”

Salim said his father was a mechanic, programmer and pilot, and he had a passion for flying all his life.

“He died doing what he loved. We will miss him forever.”

The family of Qantas pilot Gary Criddle have also spoken out about their loss.

He was remembered by his family as “a much loved husband, father, grandfather and aviator.”

“We are incredibly devastated and shocked by this tragic loss,” they said in a statement over the weekend.

Gary Criddle and a woman smile on a light plane wearing aviation headphones.

Gary Criddle’s family called his loss “immeasurable.” (Delivered)

“Gary was an extremely experienced pilot, having spent 36 years with Qantas and 20 years in the Navy and Air Force.

“He was a mentor to many aspiring pilots and an avid adventurer planning to circumnavigate the world.

“Gaz was full of fun, laughter and generosity. His loss is immeasurable and he will be greatly missed.”

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said an investigation into the crash was ongoing.