Sunshine Coast hinterland plane crash victim identified as Rory Blanning

One of the two men killed in a horror Sunshine Coast plane crash has been identified as the co-founder of a local aviation company and University of Queensland graduate.

One of the two men killed in a horror Sunshine Coast plane crash has been identified as a pilot who co-founded an aviation training and thrillseeking flight business.

Rory Blanning, 30, was killed alongside another man, 46, whose identity has not been made public, when the Cessna 150 Aerobat single engine aircraft they were flying crashed into thick bushland in Peachester.

Mr Blanning was passionate about creating safer skies through teaching basic aerobatics to pilots and taking on adventure flights.

He studied mathematics at the University of Queensland and graduated with honours before going on to co-found Max Aviation in a bid to help pilots learn the essentials of aerobatics.

Rory Blanning was killed alongside another man when the Cessna-150 Aerobat single engine aircraft he wand another man were flying crashed into thick bushland in Peachester.

Police have described the plane crash as “absolutely tragic” as investigators continue to piece together what caused the incident.

“It’s obviously a very sad time for everyone here on the Sunshine Coast,” Inspector Jason Overland said. “It was a tragic outcome for the two people and their families here. It’s absolutely tragic.”

Officers found the bodies of the two men inside the wrecked plane on a private property after scouring through thick bushland off Commissioners Flat Road at Peachester about 8.50pm on Wednesday.

Inspector Overland said the men had left Sunshine Coast Airport, in Marcoola, in the two-seater light plane about 11am but a multi-­agency search was initiated when they failed to return to the airport at the expected time three hours later.

Police search along Commissioners Flat Road at Peachester for the missing plane.

The plane was expected to remain at the scene until investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau decide to take it away for further investigations.

“The scene is being preserved so the investigators from the Australian Transport and Safety Bureau can conduct a thorough investigation,” Inspector Overland said.

An ATSB spokesman said the plane was hired for a private flight with the two pilots on board.

“Investigators will examine the aircraft wreckage and site surrounds, and seek to recover any relevant components for detailed examination,” he said.

“The ATSB will also analyse available recorded data, review pilot and maintenance records, and interview witnesses and involved parties.”

Records show the plane was 45 years old and had been owned by the Sunshine Coast Aero Club only since March 2021.