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Category: Disasters and Accidents / Community and Society / Air Transport

Essendon crash pilot's family pays tribute to their 'hero and rock'

Friday, 24 Feb 2017 13:34:12

Pilot Max Quartermain has been remembered by his family for his unconditional love. (Supplied)

The family of the pilot involved in a fatal plane crash at a Melbourne shopping centre on Tuesday has paid tribute to their "hero", describing him as their "rock".

Local pilot Max Quartermain and four American tourists were killed when the small charter plane suffered catastrophic engine failure and crashed into DFO in Essendon.

His daughter Melissa Quartermain, his wife Cilla and son Mike released a video statement through Victoria Police praising their father and passing on their thoughts to all affected by Tuesday's crash.

In the pre-recorded statement, Ms Quartermain also thanked family and friends for their support.

"I'd first like to acknowledge the pain everyone affected by this tragedy is experiencing," Ms Quartermain said.

"Our hearts go out to all, especially to the families of the people who died in this tragedy.

"We extend our utmost gratitude for the love and support from our friends and family. It's been a tremendous comfort.

"The support provided to us through official channels has been outstanding. It's made us so proud of this country.

"Our dad meant so much to a lot of people.

"To us he was our hero, our inspiration and our rock. We will miss his generosity, his energy and his passion for his work.

"Above all, his unconditional love as a husband, a dad and a papa."

Police said the Quartermain family did not want to take part in any media interviews and asked the media respect their privacy while they grieve.

Memorial opens at crash site

Earlier today, the shopping centre opened a community memorial area, which will be available over the weekend.

Most shops will open to the public on Monday, except for about a dozen stores that are without power or were damaged in the crash.

DFO managing director Angus McNaughton said staff and the community needed the chance to grieve.

Memorial opens at site of Essendon plane crash Photo: Flowers were laid at a temporary memorial for the five victims earlier today. (ABC News: Joanna Crothers)

"I think everybody is naturally shaken. I think with any major incident, individuals are certainly going to be shaken around it," he said.

"So, obviously, the site is closed at the moment, but our team has been provided regular counselling. We are going to have a regular counsellor available on site all week next week."

Investigations into the crash, led by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) are continuing, with a preliminary report expected within four weeks.

On Thursday, Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester said the cockpit voice recorder had been recovered and taken to Canberra for analysis.

Locals who live near Essendon Airport have raised concerns about the proximity of the airport to suburbia, and some have called for it to be closed.

Premier Daniel Andrews said that was unlikely to happen, but the Government would be ready to make any changes recommended by authorities once investigations had been completed.

AustraliaPlus


 

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