Families of two South Australians who died in Philippines plane crash speak out

The families of the two South Australian engineers who died in a plane crash in the Philippines say they were “kind, intelligent and deeply loved”.

The families of the two South Australian engineers confirmed dead in a Philippines plane crash have spoken out.

The statement, made through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, remembers the two as “kind, intelligent and deeply loved husbands, fathers, sons and brothers”.

“Our hearts are broken by our devastating loss; both had so much more to give,” it said.

The statement continued by giving thanks to the “brave Philippine search and rescue teams and to the Australian and Philippine governments”.

“We are strengthened by the outpouring of love and support from around the world.”

Several other people took to social media to pay tribute to the pair.

Christopher Ruff took to LinkedIn four days ago to reflect on his time working with the pair at Santos.

Simon Chipperfield has been remembered by family as kind and intelligent. Picture: Supplied.

“Vale Simon Chipperfield and Karthi Santhanam,” he wrote.

“I had the pleasure of working with you both during my time in Santos and the news of your passing strikes home the risks many of our colleagues face across the globe in the resource industry.”

Beaumont Solutions, Mr Santhanam’s employer, put out a statement shortly after the declaration for their “dear friend”.

“Karthi would always talk about his wife in Adelaide and how she inspired him. He was so focused on the life they were building together,” it said.

“Though we often left it too long between phone calls and catch-ups – particularly after we all had our children – we always came together as old friends do – with deep hugs and conversations.”

It continued by explaining that Mr Santhanam had “incredible pride in his children” and was an “incredibly talented engineer”.

The statement said he wanted to work toward leaving “a better world for our children” and that his future renewable energy projects would leave a legacy for them.

Jayne Stinson, member for Badcoe, also took to social media to express her condolences for Mr Santhanam who lived in the Badcoe community.

Karthi Santhanam's family has released a statement following his death. Picture: Supplied

“Mr Santhanam was a highly skilled and respected geothermal technician and consultant,” she said.

“On behalf of our local community, I send my deepest condolences and express our support for his loved ones at this time.”

Simon Chipperfield and Karthi Santhanam were identified as two passengers on board the flight, which crashed not long after it look off at 6.43am Saturday, according to Filipino media.

On Thursday morning, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong confirmed the pair had been killed in the disaster.

“I confirm that overnight search teams have reached the site of a light aircraft in Albay Province in the Philippines,” she said. “Sadly there are no survivors.

“On behalf of the Australian Government, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the families of the two men, Simon Chipperfield and Karthi Santhanam, both from Adelaide, my home town, as well as the Filipino Nationals involved.”

Engineer Karthi Santhanam. Picture: LinkedIn

Engineer Simon Chipperfield. Picture: Facebook

Four Energy Development Corporation (EDC) employees were killed in the wreckage, including Mr Santhanam, Mr Chipperfield, Captain Rufino James Crisostomo Jr and Joel G Martin.

“We mourn the confirmed passing of our dear colleagues, Captain Rufino James Crisostomo Jr, Joel G Martin, Simon Chipperfield, and Karthi Santhanam, who were on board the Aircraft RP-C-2080,” a statement from EDC reads.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go to their families and friends during this difficult time,” EDC said in a statement.

“It is with the deepest gratitude that we thank the tireless efforts of all the rescuers from branches of government, civilian volunteers, and EDC Emergency Response Teams from across the country.”

Mr Santhanam and Mr Chipperfield’s families had been notified, authorities said.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go to their families and friends during this difficult time.”

The statement goes on to thank the rescue efforts of emergency services.

Caloy G Baldo – Municipal Mayor for Camalig, Albay – posted to Facebook stating that rescue groups are on their way to the crash site.

“An additional group of responders took off at 11:35 last night and have assembled at barangay Anoling, Camalig, Albay,” it said.

The plan reportedly crashed in the early hours of Saturday morning. Picture: Facebook

The post confirms that Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection have been deployed to provide additional ground support.

The Civil Authority of the Philippines will continue to document and investigate the wreckage saying it remains “part of the mission,” but sensitive issues limit what information they can disclose.

Cedric Daep, head of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO), said they had already been informed of initial investigation results.

This comes five days after the plane crashed not long after it look off at 6.43am Saturday morning.

Images show the wreckage just 350 metres from the crater of the active Mayon Volcano, at the forested boundary between the towns of Guinobatan and Camalig.