A photo has emerged of a father and son who tragically died in a freak plane crash, showing the pair smiling broadly in the cockpit.
Experienced pilot Lane Kokshoorn, in his 30s, and his primary school son were traveling in a Highlander Rotax 914UL around 8.30am before it cut the power lines and nosed into a property near the Clarence River close to the Nymboida National Park dived. on Tuesday.
Police confirmed the plane caught fire after impact, with the pair pronounced dead at the scene.
On Thursday, grieving family members shared a photo on social media of the two doing what they loved most: flying together in the light aircraft.
Mr. Kokshoorn is seen grinning in the cockpit, wearing red sunglasses and a black cap, with his beaming son in the passenger seat.
Lane Kokshoorn, in his 30s, and his primary school son were traveling in a Highlander Rotax 914UL before disaster struck
The terrifying image sparked an outpouring of love and support online as the family prepared for the couple's funeral on December 22.
“A celebration of their lives,” the invitation reads, “Two beautiful souls will soar through the sky forever.”
The doomed plane left the Gold Coast on Sunday evening, while father and son left the Southport Flying Club in good spirits about 9am on Monday.
Police believe the pair spent the night before leaving on Tuesday morning.
The light aircraft crashed just a few hours later.
The light aircraft cut power lines before crashing on the banks of the Clarence River
Mr Kokshoorn (pictured) was an experienced pilot who flew Boeing 787s for All Nippon Airlines – one of Japan's largest airlines operating from Tokyo
“A recreational aircraft severed a power line and crashed onto the banks of the Clarence River,” said Acting Inspector Aaron van Schaik.
“Unfortunately, the plane caught fire after impact.”
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is not investigating the crash.
However, NSW Police are continuing to investigate with assistance from Recreational Aviation Australia.