Passionate young pilot Lucas Di Biase has been identified as the third person killed in a horror plane crash in SA.

The 20-year-old Pasadena man was aboard a light plane that spun out of control and nosedived into the waters off Goolwa South, on the state’s south coast, about 4.30pm on Friday.

Shocked witnesses felt hopeless as local surf lifesavers quickly battled charging waves to reach the downed plane in hope of finding survivors.

But all three people onboard the Cessna were found dead.

Lucas had been flying with two trainee pilots, Morphett Vale man Leo Howard, 53, and 18-year-old Tristan Scheffers.

“Lucas was not meant to be on the flight on Friday but never hesitated to jump in the back seat of another flight as he’s done many times before,” Lucas’ mother Koula said in a family statement on behalf of herself, Lucas’ father Louis, and sister Isabella.

“An unimaginable tragedy to [lose] such an accomplished young man with the world at his feet.”

Lucas Di Biase, 20, has been remembered as a ‘funny, smart and fearless’ man after he was killed in a light plane crash on Friday.Lucas Di Biase, 20, has been remembered as a ‘funny, smart and fearless’ man after he was killed in a light plane crash on Friday. Credit: Supplied Lucas’ family — Isabella, Louis and Koula — said in a family statement that they are unsure how to carry on without him.Lucas’ family — Isabella, Louis and Koula — said in a family statement that they are unsure how to carry on without him. Credit: Supplied

 

The family revealed that Lucas had wanted to become a pilot since he was a toddler.

“To our beautiful boy Lucas there are no words,” the statement said.

“We are so devastated and can’t believe you’re gone.

“All you ever wanted to do since you were a toddler was to become a pilot.

“You were so passionate about flying. You worked so hard, graduated at the top of your class, was mentoring student pilots and booked to fly to Darwin on Monday to follow your dreams.

“You were funny, smart, fearless and loved by everyone who met you including everyone in the aviation community.

“We don’t know how we are supposed to carry on without you. We’ll miss your daily calls, your conversations, your laughter and the joy you brought to us. We’ll try to stay strong for your sister.

“We love you so much. Forever in our hearts. Forever 20. Fly high our beautiful boy.”

The crash remains under investigation. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is set to interview witnesses, examine the wreckage and analyse flight track data as well as aircraft and maintenance records.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.