Peachester plane crash victim Rory Blanning mourned as skilled operator who made a wonderful contribution to aerobatics

Friends have paid tribute to pilot Rory Blanning who was killed in a plane crash in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, remembering him for making a wonderful contribution to the sport of aerobatics.

A pilot killed in a plane crash tragedy near Peachester is being remembered as a skilled operator who made a wonderful contribution to aerobatics.

Rory Blanning, 30, was killed alongside Sunshine Coast man Adam Heath, 46, when a Cessna 150 Aerobat single engine aircraft they were flying crashed.

Police found the wreckage on Wednesday night after it crashed into thick scrub beside Commissioners Flat Road.

Mr Blanning was a beloved committee member of the Australian Aerobatic Club’s Queensland chapter.

The chapter’s president Brendan Scilini declined to comment when approached by the Daily, but took to social media to express sadness on behalf of the group.

“Yesterday committee member and our friend flight instructor Rory Blanning was tragically take from us,” his post read.

“We extend our sincere condolences and best wishes to Rory’s family and many friends both within and outside the aviation community at this sad time.

“Rory was a skilled pilot and instructor making a wonderful contribution to the sport of aerobatic flying and to our small club.

“He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered.”

Mr Heath, a doting father of three, had just moved from Frankston, in Melbourne, to start a new life with his wife and kids on the Sunshine Coast.

A piece of wreckage halfway up a tree at the scene near Cedarton where two men were killed in a light plane crash. Picture: Lachie Millard

Rebecca Smith commented: “sending all of my love to those in the Queensland chapter for the loss of Rory. Fly high Rory.”

Kierra Holliday commented: “rest easy up there”.

A Caboolture Aero Club spokesman said Mr Blanning was the type of person that “no one had a bad word to say about”.

Mr Blanning was one of more than 300 members at the club.

It comes after police found the bodies of the two men inside the wrecked plane on a private property after scouring through thick bushland about 60m off the road at Peachester about 8.50pm on Wednesday.

“It’s obviously a very sad time for everyone here on the Sunshine Coast,” Inspector Jason Overland said on Thursday.

Police and ATSB investigators at the scene near Cedarton where two men were killed in a light plane crash. Picture: Lachie Millard

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

According to Max Aviation’s website, Mr Blanning started aerobatics training in 2010 and later founded the company with his high school friend Doug Field.

“They founded Max Aviation to carry on the values of action aerobatics of creating safer skies by helping others develop those essential handling skills,” the website read.

Max Aviation’s website says the company provides aerobatics adventure flights and combat experiences for thrill seekers around Brisbane, the Glass House Mountains and Moreton Island.

The plane was expected to remain at the scene in the hands of Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators.