Profound sadness as Mornington Peninsula loved ones struggle with pilot’s tragic Mordialloc crash

MORNINGTON Peninsula locals are rallying around the wife and children of a pilot tragically killed when his plane crashed near Moorabbin Airport, as loved ones prepare to farewell the “much-admired” family man.

A MORNINGTON Peninsula community is rallying around the wife and young children of a pilot tragically killed when his plane crashed near Moorabbin Airport, as loved ones prepare to farewell the adored family man.

A profound sadness has overcome Mt Martha locals, and many in Melbourne’s aviation industry, after the death of peninsula man Anthony Liddell a fortnight ago.

Friends and strangers are pitching in to help ease the stress for Mr Liddell’s wife Sandra and the couple’s two children, so far giving more than $10,000 to a donation fund in his name.

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Mr Liddell, a dedicated aircraft maintenance engineer from Moorabbin-based CAE, has been remembered for his love of family and dedication to the community including his local lifesaving club and the Mt Martha Junior Football Club.

In a tribute, friends said the 50-year-old was “a much admired family man, friend, and active community member” and a “gentleman … who made time to talk to everyone and lent a hand with everything”.

Anthony Liddell with wife Sandy. Picture: Supplied.

Mt Martha Junior Football Club President James Barrett said friends who organised the Go Fund Me fundraiser had been overwhelmed by the “incredible” support from the community.

Hundreds are expected to gather at the Mt Martha Lifesaving Club on Friday to pay tribute to Mr Liddell.

“While you never want to close off the memory of Anthony and his commitment to the community, it brings a little bit of closure for everyone,” Mr Barrett said.

Aviation authorities are still investigating the circumstances that led to the tragedy in Scarlet St Mordialloc on June 8, with a report into the likely causes expected to take several weeks.

Pilot Anthony Liddell celebrating his 50th with family. Picture: Supplied

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Mr Barrett said donations would go to help Mrs Liddell with immediate costs as well as contributions towards the children’s education.

Close family will first farewell Mr Liddell in a private gathering, but a community memorial service will be held at the lifesaving club on the Esplanade at 2pm Friday.

Donations can be made to the Anthony Liddell memorial fund.

@AndieHamblin