By Najma Sambul
A woman who was killed in a light plane crash at Mount Beauty airport on Saturday, along with her pilot, has been remembered for her kindness and good humour.
Kate Callingham, 39, was a leader in arts and cultural life in Melbourne and a “beloved partner, mother, daughter and friend”, her family and friends said in a statement.
Kate Callingham was killed in a light plane crash at Mount Beauty airport on Saturday.
“She was widely respected and beloved for her clear moral compass, adventurous spirit and formidable, level-headed, good sense,” they said.
“Kate was loved for her kindness, easy laughter and always being the most capable person in the room.”
Callingham was one of two people who died in the crash in north-eastern Victoria. She and the pilot were the only occupants of the aircraft, according to police.
“It is believed the pair were flying over Embankment Drive when the aircraft crashed about 1.45pm. The yet-to-be formally identified pilot and passenger both died at the scene,” a police statement said.
Emergency services, including five CFA units, were called following reports of “a possible light plane crash” at the small regional airport.
The CFA said its responders were first on the scene and provided medical assistance on Embankment Drive, which is the official airport address.
“Volunteer crews and rescue from CFA Mount Beauty fire brigade and Tawonga responded,” a CFA spokesperson said.
“Once on scene, they found two persons in a crashed light plane.”
Ambulance Victoria, Air Ambulance and Victoria Police were also at the scene of the crash on Saturday afternoon.
A spokesperson from Ambulance Victoria said paramedics treated two people after being called to the scene.
“Paramedics responded with significant resources dispatched to the scene, including Advanced Life Support paramedics, Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance paramedics and an air ambulance.”
Police at Mount Beauty airport on Saturday.Credit: Nine News
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
The statement from Callingham’s family and friends requested privacy at this time.
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