Organised as a surprise by their dad Cris Mocanu, 41, Lucas Mocanu, 9, his sister Lavinia, 10, and pilot Robert “Roy” Watterson, 67, died after the Rockwell Commander 114 crashed into waters north of Brisbane.

An initial report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau claims issues occurred “shortly” after the plane took off from the Redcliffe Aerodrome. This occurred around 9am.

“Shortly after taking off, the aircraft was reported to be returning to the aerodrome when it collided with water,” it read.

“The pilot and three passengers were fatally injured, and the aircraft was destroyed.”

The aircraft wreck was later spotted by another plane shortly after. Disappearing behind two mangroves, rescue and emergency staff struggled to retrieve the fallen plane due to drying vegetation.

The families and friends of the four passengers will need to wait until at least July 2022 for the final report, however preliminary findings are expected to be completed in around eight weeks. Investigators will now continue their examination of the site and wreckage, as well as flight data, witness reports, weather information and pilot and maintenance records.

Devastatingly, the flight was intended as a late birthday present for Lucas, said their mother, Catherine Di Blasio. It’s understood Mr Mocanu worked for Mr Watterson and the flight was done free of charge.

Speaking to The Courier Mail, the grieving mum said they had planned to “fly over the water and look at Brisbane from up in the air”.

“The pilot, he was the owner of the company he (Cris) worked for,” she said.

“He told Cris ‘I do have a little plane’ and Cris said ‘do you mind if I take my kids, my son would really love it, can we organise a day?’”

“I was wrapping the kids’ Christmas presents”

With the deadly crash occurring just six days away from Christmas, Ms Di Blasio was devastatingly made aware of the news of her children’s death while she was wrapping their Christmas presents.

Ms Di Blasio, who was separated from Mr Mocanu, said they were expected back at lunch but by 4pm began ringing his mobile phone which kept giving “out of service” responses.

“Then I thought they were ringing my doorbell but when I opened the door there was three child protection service detectives and they told me the bad news,” she said.

“Even the guy had trouble telling me, he didn’t know which words to use, it was pretty horrible.“

Friend’s GoFundMe raises $42k for mum

A GoFundMe started by the sister of Ms Di Blasio’s partner, Tracey Baughman has now raised more than $42,000.

Speaking to news.com.au, Ms Baughman says the funds will be given to Ms Di Blasio to support her with potential funeral costs, counselling or travel expenses for her extended family which are based in Montreal, Canada.

The Brisbane-based nurse described Ms De Blasio as an “amazing and hands on mum” and said she adored Lucas and Lavinia, who “meant the world to her”.

“I just couldn’t sleep that night when my brother told me what happened. I was at home with my kids. They were fine, safe, tucked up in bed and I just laid awake all night thinking: ‘Imagine if that was me’” she said.

“The next morning, I just got up and went: I’m going to create a GoFundMe. At least that way she won’t have to worry about funerals, if we can sort that out.”