The wreckage of a former military plane that crashed in the waters off Melbourne, killing the pilot and a MasterChef cameraman on board, has been recovered in Port Phillip Bay.
The four-meter-wide hull was lifted out of the water by a crane and placed on a barge, after which it was covered with a tarpaulin and brought back to shore on Saturday morning.
Stephen Gale, 56, and cameraman James Rose, 30, crashed in one of two Viper S-211 Marchetti planes that collided during a formation flight on Sunday around 1:45 p.m.
They were filming a promotional video for Jetworks Aviation about 12 km west of Mount Martha when the planes collided.
The second plane was able to land safely at Essendon Airport.
Victoria Police confirmed on Wednesday that the bodies of Mr Gale and Mr Rose had been found after crews located the wreckage of their plane near Mornington.
Pilot Stephen Gale, 56, and Mr Rose were reported missing after the ex-jet fighters collided about 12 kilometers west of Mount Martha, in Melbourne’s south-east.
The wreckage of the plane believed to be carrying Mr Rose and Mr Gale was pulled ashore on Saturday afternoon (photo)
Police said the wreckage of the plane was located off the coast of the Mornington Peninsula on Monday evening following a major search operation.
“Investigators are working to determine the exact circumstances of the incident and the investigation is ongoing,” a police statement said.
“They believe the planes would have been visible from Mount Martha between 1 and 2 p.m. on Sunday.”
Police would like to get in touch with people who may have witnessed the incident.
Authorities, including the Air Transport Safety Bureau, are investigating the circumstances of the crash
It is understood that Mr Rose was shooting footage for an aviation company’s promotional video
The grim discovery comes as 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.
Victoria Police confirmed bodies were discovered on the plane on Monday evening, believed to be those of two men reported missing (photo, search efforts earlier this week)
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.
James’ father David Rose said he was proud of his son as members of his family gathered at the Mount Martha Life Saving Club earlier this week.
“He is recognized as one of the best drone operators in Australia and has worked on all the major TV shows,” he said Herald Sun.
“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.”
“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 some 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.’