The pilot who died after his plane fell from the sky in a catastrophic light plane crash in Queensland is being remembered as a devoted family man, as harrowing new details emerge.
Mervyn Mudge, 63, from Bundaberg, crashed in Palgrave, south-west of Warwick, in the Southern Downs region, on Tuesday. He died on the spot.
He was an experienced pilot and it was believed he was flying to his granddaughter for her birthday at the time of the crash.
Mr. Mudge is survived by his wife, four children and five grandchildren.
The tragedy has led to an outpouring of tributes to the beloved family man affectionately known as “Swervin’ Merv.”
Experienced pilot and beloved grandfather Mervyn Mudge, 63, died when his plane crashed into a paddock in rural Queensland
Mr Mudge’s wife Aly (pictured together) said he was the best husband anyone could ever ask for as tributes started pouring in online from friends and family
‘He is my soulmate, my best friend. The best husband anyone could ever ask for,” wife Aly told 7News.
‘He was the best fucking pilot and engineer in the world. Many hearts are broken by this tragedy.”
Mr Mudge had more than thirty years of experience as an engineer in the Royal Australian Air Force and as a commercial pilot with Japan Airlines.
Friends of Mr Mudge have also expressed their disbelief following his shocking death.
“You had a special place in our hearts, and dude, we’re praying for Aly and the rest of your family,” one friend wrote.
‘Yesterday the world and I lost a truly great man. My little RAAF Appie brother and great friend, Merv Mudge, disappeared from this world doing what he loved: Aviation, when his Jabiru suffered a mechanical failure and he crashed into a pasture in the Palgrave area of South Queensland,” added another.
‘Rest in peace my brother from another mother. Your duty to your country, your community and your friends and family is now fulfilled.
“Now fly with the angels my friend and I feel sorry for the boss of wherever you end up, the jury is still out on your final landing pad… Lest we forget.”
A small grass fire broke out at the site of the wreck, initially preventing emergency services from reaching the aircraft and leaving the aircraft itself completely destroyed.
Mr Mudge, an experienced pilot who had worked with aircraft for more than 30 years, was said to be on his way to celebrate his granddaughter’s birthday when he crashed
A local farmer rushed to the scene after seeing a fire break out on his property and tried to fight the flames himself.
Paramedics, firefighters and police attended the scene of the crash, which had caused a nearby grass fire, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach the wreckage.
The aircraft was completely destroyed by the crash and the fire that followed.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is now assisting police with their investigation into the cause of the crash.
The plane crashed just after midday on Tuesday in Palgrave, south-west of Warwick, in the Southern Downs region