Friends have paid tribute to a young Australian pilot who was among 12 people killed when a light plane crashed into a swamp while landing at an airport in Papua New Guinea.
Benjamin Picard, 31, was flying the Britten Norman-Islander plane when it crashed short of the runway at Kiunga in PNG's Western Province on Wednesday afternoon.
Mr Picard's friend Lyn Sauna, from Vanimo in PNG, said on Facebook he was "short a kilometre off the strip when he was about to land" and "crashed nose first into the swamp."
"We were so so devastated coz he was such a wonderful friend," she said.
Shocked friends from around the world paid tribute to the young adventurer.
"RIP Benji, you truly knew how to take life by the horns and get the most out of it. My thoughts are with your family and friends," Brad Winter said on Facebook.
Kelly Burke said, "Such sad news Benjamin. I remember since a young boy you wanted to be a pilot. So happy to of known you an the fun times we had over the years."
"Such devastating news Benj. You will be greatly missed. One of the worlds (sic) biggest gentleman, such a kind caring soul, always putting others before himself. A friend of so many people from so many different parts of the world. RIP you bloody legend," said Matt Smith.
"RIP benny. We've lost a top pilot and an even better bloke," said Martin Dawson.
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