‘My world’: Pilot identified as Jake Anastas, 29, following fatal plane crash in Sydney’s southwest

The third pilot killed in a plane crash in Sydney’s southwest has been remembered as a “caring and remarkable husband”.

The third pilot killed in a plane crash in Sydney’s southwest has been remembered as a “caring and remarkable husband”.

Jake Anastas, 29, died after two light planes crashed into each other in the vicinity of Belimbla Park near Oakdale on Saturday.

Off-duty Qantas captain, Gary Criddle, 72, had reportedly been instructing Mr Anastas when the crash occurred, killing them both along with the pilot of a second plane, Khadervali Gagguturu, 60.

Tori Anastas has remembered her husband Jake Anastas as a ‘remarkable husband. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Anastas said her husband was her ‘best friend and (her) world’. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Anastas was undergoing commercial pilot’s license training when the fatal incident took place, and had been flying for years.

His wife, Tori, told 9NEWS Mr Anastas was a “remarkable husband” who “had a tremendous impact on everyone in his life”.

“He was my best friend and my world,” Ms Anastas said.

“He loved flying and made everything brighter, he always made me feel like I could soar with him.”

The two planes crashed into each other in the vicinity of Belimbla Park near Oakdale on Saturday. Picture: ABC

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will undertake a full investigation into the fatal incident. Picture: 7News

The family of Mr Criddle earlier expressed their devastation following the crash in a statement.

“We’re absolutely devastated beyond words and in total shock by this tragic loss,” the statement read.

“Gary, affectionately known as Gaz, was a very much loved husband, father, grandfather and aviator.

“He was a mentor to many aspiring pilots and an avid adventurer with plans to sail the world.

“Gaz was full of fun, laughter and generosity. His loss is immeasurable and he will be deeply missed.”

Gary Criddle also died in the crash. Picture: Supplied/Nine.

Gary Criddle, pictured with his wife Sue. Picture: Supplied/Nine.

Qantas Chief Pilot Richard Tobiano described Mr Criddle as a “highly respected and loved member of the Qantas flying community”.

“We were deeply upset to learn that an off-duty Qantas pilot was involved in the fatal light aircraft accident over Belimbla Park on Saturday,” he said.

“This is a very upsetting time for Captain Criddle’s family, friends and colleagues, and we will be providing them with as much support as we can.”

Mr Gagguturu’s son, Saleem, told The Guardian his father often helped others, having even created a contraption to help a stranger’s disabled dog walk.

“One day he just saw someone walking their disabled dog near our house, and he approached them and offered to help,” Saleem told The Guardian.

Saleem also said he and his family will “miss him forever” in a statement to ABC.

“He went out of his way to help anyone and everyone,” Saleem said.

“My mother, brother and I love him so much and his loss has left us, and all our family and friends, devastated and broken.

“Despite being a highly intelligent mechanic, programmer and pilot, his lifelong passion has been flying and he died doing what he loved.

“We will miss him forever.”

Khadervali Gagguturu (right) was pictured during another flight with his wife, Sharmila Kuttagula (left). Picture: Supplied.

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau spokesperson confirmed a full investigation will be undertaken following the fatal incident.

“Over coming days, investigators will undertake site mapping, examine the wreckage of both aircraft, and recover any relevant components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra,” the spokesperson said.

“Investigators will also seek to interview any witnesses and involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information including any air traffic control and flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information.”

Originally published as ‘My world’: Pilot identified as Jake Anastas, 29, following fatal plane crash in Sydney’s southwest