James Rose: MasterChef cameraman, 30, is revealed to be one of two people on board ex-fighter jet that crashed into Port Phillip Bay – as desperate mayday call sheds light on mid-air collision
A cameraman working on MasterChef was one of two people on board a plane that crashed into the water near Melbourne.
James Rose, 30, was filming footage for a new TV show in one of the two Viper S-211 Marchetti fighter jets flying together on Sunday when the planes collided around 1.40pm.
One of the jets plunged into Port Phillip Bay off the Mornington Peninsula, while the other miraculously returned to Essendon Airport.
A massive search has uncovered wreckage of the plane, but so far no trace of Mr Rose or the pilot has been found. The search will continue all night.
The surviving pilot’s harrowing distress call reveals what happened in the aftermath of the collision.
“Viper 1…mayday, mayday, mayday,” the surviving pilot said.
An air traffic controller then replies: ‘Viper 1, roger your mayday. Do you expect Viper 1 to be in the water?’
“I expect Viper 2 to be in the water… we can see a splash mark,” the pilot replied.
A MasterChef cameraman, James Rose, 30, (pictured) was on board a plane that crashed on Sunday afternoon
Mr Rose’s family now face an anxious evening as they hope he and the pilot are still alive.
‘I don’t know if I can handle staying all night. It’s all so surreal,” his father David Rose told the BBC Herald Sun.
Members of their family have gathered at the Mount Martha Life Saving Club, which is directing the search and rescue mission.
“We are so proud of him,” his father added.
“He is recognized as one of the best drone operators in Australia and has worked on all the major TV shows.
“That’s why he was up there on the plane today.”
Both aircraft are operated by Jetworks Aviation and operate 45-minute joy flights, which cost $7,750 and simulate a military fighter jet experience with “only one wingspan separating the aircraft.”
Mr Rose was on board one of two Viper S-211 Marchetti fighter jets (pictured) flying together on Sunday when the planes collided at around 1.40pm.
A massive search has uncovered wreckage of the plane, but so far no sign of James or the pilot has been found. The search will continue all night.
“After dressing and taking the obligatory photos (while looking fresh), you will be instructed by your combat controllers to prepare for the mission ahead,” the website says.
‘You and your wingman will leave Essendon Airport at the same time as a close duo.
“The two aircraft will perform a number of airshow-style aerobatic maneuvers before splitting into the dynamic battle formation. After crossing the bay in a modern dogfight, the two aircraft return to formation and pass close to Melbourne’s beautiful skyline.’
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau and Victoria Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has footage is urged to contact the ATSB immediately.