Add Category
The family of one of three men killed in a light plane crash in Sydney's south-west has described him as someone who "made everything brighter".
Jake Anastas, 29, was flying one of the two light aircraft that collided midair at Belimbla Park on Saturday.
Mr Anastas was completing his commercial pilot's licence training when the crash occurred, with off-duty Qantas captain Gary Criddle, 72, instructing Mr Anastas.
Jake Anastas's loved ones have said he spent nearly half of his life in the skies, falling in love with flying in his youth. (ABC News: Supplied)
In a statement to ABC News, his wife Tori Anastas paid tribute to her partner.
She described him as a "loving, caring and remarkable husband who had a tremendous impact on everyone in his life".
"Jake had spent nearly half of his life in the skies, falling in love with flying in his youth. He loved flying and made everything brighter, he always made me feel like I could soar with him," she said.
"He was my best friend and my world."
One of the planes had been travelling from Cessnock to Wollongong, while the other was from an airfield at The Oaks.
Khadervali Gagguturu, 60, was the pilot in the second aircraft.
Mr Gagguturu's son said he "helped everyone". (Supplied)
Mr Gagguturu's son Saleem said those who knew him were "devastated" by his death.
"He went out of his way to help anyone and everyone," he told ABC News.
"My mother, brother and I love him so much and his loss has left us, and all our family and friends, devastated and broken."
Saleem said that his father had been a mechanic, programmer and pilot, with his lifelong passion being flying.
"He died doing what he loved. We will miss him forever."
Qantas pilot Gary Criddle's family have also spoken of their loss.
His family remembered him as a "very much-loved husband, father, grandfather and aviator".
"We're absolutely devastated beyond words and in total shock by this tragic loss," they said in a statement on the weekend.
Gary Criddle's family has described his loss as "immeasurable". (Supplied)
"Gary was an extremely experienced pilot with 36 years at Qantas and 20 years in the navy and air force.
"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."
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has said investigations into the crash are continuing.