The family of a mother and daughter killed in a plane crash in South Australia has paid tribute to the pilot of the plane, who they say was a "dedicated and tireless volunteer".
Tracy Redding, 43, and her daughter Emily, 16, were killed along with pilot Grant Gilbert, 78, when his single-engined plane came down shortly after take-off in a paddock near the Mt Gambier Airport on Wednesday.
Mr Gilbert was operating an Angel Flight, taking Emily to Adelaide for medical treatment.
Grant Redding says his brother Troy, the dead woman's partner, is still processing the tragic events and is concentrating on supporting his young family.
"Our thoughts are also with the family and friends of the pilot who was a dedicated and tireless volunteer who also lost his life in this tragic incident," Mr Redding said.
"Many thanks to the police, emergency services, staff at Grant High School and others for their sympathy and empathy in dealing with family members at this difficult time.
"We know that an event such as this will affect many members of the communities of Mount Gambier and Mount Barker and hope that anyone affected by it will seek support from family, friends or support services."
Tributes also flowed for Mr Gilbert, with Liberal MP Michael Pengilly saying he had known the Mt Barker man for 20 years.
"We met a couple of times a year for lunch. A true and loyal husband and father, loyal friend and astute businessman."
Mr Gilbert's son, Ben said his father loved the Mt Barker community and was happy to use his resources to help others through Angel Flight.
"Flying his plane was one of his greatest loves," Mr Gilbert said.
Investigations into the crash are continuing, with four Australian Transport Safety Bureau officials at the site on Thursday.
A spokeswoman said the bureau would not comment on a possible cause with a preliminary report to be released within 30 days.
She said inquiries would include the prevailing weather conditions, with fog reported in the area, the pilot's experience, the wreckage, examining any data and speaking with any witnesses.
Investigators will also contact Angel Flight to check on training and accreditation issues.
Angel Flight declined to comment but said a statement might be issued at a later time.
The organisation said it was concentrating on the welfare of the families involved.
The crash is the second such incident in South Australia in the past two months after three people died in May when their Cessna Conquest, operated by charter company Rossair, crashed near Renmark.
