Witnesses to a plane crash south of Brisbane on Monday have told investigators the aircraft’s engine sounded like it was “running rough or spluttering” before it crashed, killing a well-known businessman and his daughter.
The man and woman killed in the crash have been identified as Ian Campbell and his daughter Hannah, 23.
Their plane, a Beechcraft Bonanza, had taken off from Archerfield and was airborne for just eight minutes before crashing at a property on Musch Rd, Stockleigh, at 11.10am on Monday.
In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, Australian Transport Safety Bureau Acting Chief Commissioner Colin McNamara said witnesses reported the aircraft’s engine as “sounding like it was running rough or spluttering”, before the crash.
“We do continue to ask anyone with video footage, such as from dashcams or CCTVs that may have captured the aircraft in flight to contact us via the witness form on our website atsb.gov.au/witness at your earliest opportunity,” he said.
Mr Campbell, 56, of Ascot, was the founder of the well-known dairy business Barambah Organics.
He began the business in Murgon in 2002 after he converted his fourth generation family farm.
He was also the owner of Manana Pastoral – farms that produce extra virgin olive oil, lamb and beef.
The family had recently trekked the Kokoda Trail as part of Trek4RFDS – an annual event that raises awareness and funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Services.
A photo shared by Manana Farms shows Mr Campbell alongside his daughter Hannah and others at the end of August.
“We loved being part of Trek4RFDS, as the trail reminded us daily, of what really matters in life,” the post said.
“And of course, the selfless and heroic sacrifices that were made during WWII.”
Goondiwindi Mayor Lawrence Springborg said the Campbell family – who he called “remarkable people”- had contributed enormously to the community since arriving in the area two decades ago, highlighting their support for the Rural Flying Doctor Service, the Hell of a West Triathlon, and the local dairy industry.
“It’s frankly very hard to find words to say other than the thoughts, prayers and every possible expression of goodwill on behalf of the council go out to the Campbell family,” Mr Springborg said.
“They have given back so much in kindness and generosity to good causes within the community.
“This is a terrible tragedy; two remarkable people were taken too early, in the prime of their lives, in tragic circumstances … many people, not only direct family and friends, are trying to comprehend this.”
In an interview published by the Goondiwindi Argus weeks before his death, Mr. and Ms Campbell said their love of flying began more than 25 years ago when they learnt how to fly at Archerfield in 1999, completing their pilot training together as part of their honeymoon.
“It’s really exciting getting up in the air, even if you’re just checking paddocks,” Ms Campbell told the Goondiwindi Argus.
“We love seeing how different the country looks from above, from Beardmore Dam to the Dumaresq and Macintyre rivers. Seeing just how patchy the rain can be is incredible.
“We’re probably adrenaline junkies. Flying has been a big part of our married life from the very beginning.”
Barambah Organics chief executive Chris Elliott said Mr Campbell had left behind the legacy of an iconic Australian brand.
“We are incredibly grateful and appreciative of the work Ian and his family did to help found the business that we have,” Mr Elliott said.
“They were really the creators of the brand and many of the products. And this is an unspeakably tragic accident. My thoughts are with the family.”
On Monday, Police Chief Superintendent Mel Adams said when police arrived at the scene of the crash, they found two people deceased in the aircraft.
Chief Supt Adams said investigations were continuing into the cause of the crash.
“At this stage, I can tell you the aircraft departed Archerfield Airport very shortly before 11am,” she said.
“As to what happened while that aircraft was in the air, we have no information at this time.
“This was quite a confronting scene for our first responders, and it’s only very early in these investigations and we’re still working our way through the intricacies of that investigation with our colleagues at the ATSB.”