Simon Peutrill identified as second pilot dead alongside Mark White after light plane crash off Nambucca Heads

The second man killed after a light plane crashed into water near a national park has been identified as a senior flying instructor.

The second man killed in a light plane crash near a national park on the NSW Mid North Coast has been identified as pilot Simon Peutrill.

Emergency services were called to Gaagal Wanggaan National Park near Nambucca Heads at 4pm on Saturday following reports of a crash.

A witness told police he saw a light plane go down out to sea near the area.

A plane wreckage was sighted in the water shortly after, about 1.5km southeast of Nambucca Heads.

A light plane crashed into the water near Gaagal Wanggaan National Park on Saturday afternoon. Picture: NSW National Parks

After an hours-long operation, NSW Police confirmed the only two men on-board the aircraft died at the scene.

Mr Peutrill was a senior flying instructor at Midcoast Microlights based at Coffs Harbour Airport, according to his Facebook page.

Tributes have begun to flow for the 69-year-old, with one comment – which appeared to be from Mr Peutrill’s son in a community group on Facebook – thanking everyone for well wishes.

“On behalf of the family we thank you all for your wishes, Dad loved this community and being a part of it was some of the happiest times of his life,” the comment read.

“At this time we just want to be together as a family and work through this in private. Thank you.”

Simon Peutrill was killed in the crash. Picture: Facebook

It’s understood Mark White and his passenger Mr Peutrill were training at the time of the crash. Picture: Midcoast Microlights

Others were quick to respond to the comment.

“We are grieving with you. Love from Simon’s running buddies,” one wrote.

“Sincere condolences to you and your family. I’m right here if you need anything,” another added.

Experienced pilot and instructor at Midcoast Microlights Mark White also died in the crash.

It’s understood Mr White, 67, and his passenger Mr Peutrill, were training at the time of the crash.

Both bodies have since been recovered from the wreckage.

It’s understood the aircraft left Coffs Harbour 30 minutes before the crash.

NSW Police Inspector Stuart Campbell told media on Sunday that witnesses had called triple-0.

“About 4pm, emergency services responded to the coast line just south of Nambucca Heads after witness reports of a plane crashing into the ocean,” Chief Inspector Campbell said.

“A search was co-ordinated with local police resources as well as surf rescue, and water police from Coffs Harbour.

“That search located wreckage of a light aircraft unfortunately in that wreckage were the bodies of two deceased persons.”

The pilot and passenger died in the crash. Picture: Visit NSW

Crews from the water police, NSW Ambulance, NSW Fire and Rescue and two Westpac rescue helicopters responded to the fatal incident on Saturday.

One body was recovered from the wreckage on Saturday, while the second body was found on Sunday.

Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Grant Rice said hazardous materials crews were on site on Saturday to clean up a fibrous material that ended up on the shore following the crash.

“We’re just picking up the debris and assisting police with that side of it,” he said.

“Most of it’s wet so we’re just trying to contain it so bystanders don’t pick it up.”

Marine Area Command has begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and confirmed the aircraft left a private airfield at Coffs Harbour about 3.30pm on Saturday with two men on-board.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is assisting the investigation.