A father and daughter killed in a light aircraft crash in south-eastern Queensland have been named as Ian Campbell, 56, and his daughter Hannah, 23. The pair died when the six-seater plane came down moments after take-off, investigators said on Tuesday.
Emergency services were called to a field near Stockleigh on Monday (September 7) after the aircraft crashed. Police found two people dead on arrival. The victims have been named by Australian news outlets as Ian Campbell and his daughter Hannah Campbell.
Family business and recent trek
Ian founded daily company Barambah Organics with his wife, Jane, more than 20 years ago. The Campbells also created agri-business Mañana Pastoral, producing grass fed lamb and beef and olive oil across Australia.
According to Manana’s Instagram account, Ian and Hannah recently completed the 96km (60 mile) ‘Trek4RFDS’ challenge, hiking the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea to raise money for Queensland’s Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Witness report and investigation
It is thought the pair were found dead inside the wreckage of the plane. Investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Board said it crashed just moments after take-off from nearby Archerfield Airport.
An eyewitness told 7News the aircraft ‘was just not sounding very healthy at all’ before it came down. They said: “I actually thought it was going to cut the trees at one stage. A huge plume of smoke followed by flame.”
Emergency response and appeal
Eight fire engines were sent to extinguish the ensuing grass fire caused by the crash. Police are now urging witnesses to come forward as detectives probe the incident.
A Queensland police spokesperson said: “A safety cordon remains in place while emergency services continue to work at the scene. The Queensland Police Service will work closely with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), which will have carriage of the aviation safety investigation. The circumstances surrounding the crash are still being established.”
Police have asked anyone with information to contact Policelink via the online suspicious activity form, or call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or 131 444, quoting reference number QP2601750572.
