Canberra plane crash: A man and three children killed in tragic plane wreck near Lake George

The identities of the pilot and his three grandchildren killed in a plane crash near Canberra Airport have been revealed as investigators reveal a shocking safety malfunction could be behind the tragedy.

Investigators believe the built-in parachute failed to open in a light plane as it spiralled toward the ground and killed experienced pilot Peter Nally, 65, and his three grandchildren on Friday afternoon.

It’s believed Mr Nally and his grandchildren — Raphael, 11, Evita, nine, and Philomena, six — were less than 20 minutes into their flight when tragedy unfolded. It’s understood they were on their way back to Armidale after visiting family in Canberra the last two days.

The built-in parachute system, part of the standard safety equipment on the Cirrus SR22 being flown by Mr Nally, failed to deploy, the Daily Telegraph reported, as the plane plummeted 9000 feet in a matter of seconds.

A massive explosion followed, with the plane catching alight in a paddock at Gundaroo, north of Queanbeyan.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze but the five-seater Cirrus was destroyed.

Authorities say the investigation into the deadly crash will be complicated by the extent of damage to the aircraft.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said on Saturday that teams are already at the site.

“This will be a difficult undertaking given how burnt the wreckage is. But over the coming days, I am fully confident that the investigators will gather as much information and evidence as they can from the accident site,” the ATSB’s Colin McNamara said.

ATSB crews will monitor for spilled chemicals, burnt carbon fibre and possible explosive materials.

The Redcliffe Aero Club released a statement following the crash.

“The Redcliffe Aero Club expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the pilot and passengers who were tragically killed on Friday the 6th October 2023,” the organisation said.

“The pilot was active in the social side of the Club with many hours of flying experience.”

Flight information shows the single-engine aircraft arrived in Canberra on Wednesday after travelling via Armidale from Redcliffe, north of Brisbane.

It’s understood the plane vanished from radar screens 16 minutes after taking off on Friday.

The victims have not yet been formally identified, but NSW police said a man and three children were believed to be onboard the plane when it went down.

Mr McNamara praised the first responders to the scene.

“These are indeed tragic circumstances exacerbated by the news that children have been involved,” he said.

He also asked for any other witnesses to the crash to contact the ATSB.

“Yesterday we were contacted by a number of witnesses which we’re very appreciative about. It does prompt me to say, if anyone has relevant information pertaining to this accident, please go to our website.”

Mr McNamara said in coming days engineers will study the plane’s maintenance log as well as the flight history of the pilot.