Gold Coast dad Lane Kokshoorn and young son remembered after light plane crash in Lilydale, NSW

By Olivia Day[1] and Kevin Airs For Daily Mail Australia[2]

Published: 03:34, 14 December 2023 | Updated: 03:35, 14 December 2023

A Gold Coast[3] father who died alongside his young son when their plane crashed after hitting powerlines has been remembered as an experienced pilot who was 'devoted' to his family.

Lane Kokshoorn, aged in his 30s, and his primary-school-aged son crashed over Lilydale, near Grafton in northern NSW[4], at about 8.30 am on Tuesday.

The Highlander Rotax 914UL clipped powerlines before appearing to nose-dive onto a property near the Clarence River close to the Nymboida National Park.

The light plane burst into flames after the impact, police have confirmed.

Lane Kokshoorn (pictured) who died alongside his young son when their plane crashed into powerlines has been remembered as an experienced pilot who was 'devoted' to his family

The light aircraft clipped powerlines before crashing on the banks of the Clarence River

Emergency services rushed to the crash site where the father-and-son were pronounced dead

Emergency services rushed to the crash site on Winegrove Road, where the father and son were sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Kokshoorn was an experienced pilot who flew Boeing 787's for All Nippon Airlines - one of Japan's biggest airlines operating out of Tokyo, the Northern Star reports.

Southport Flying Club has paid tribute to Mr Kokshoorn, saying the committed club member was 'devoted' to his family.

Steve Rance, aerodrome manager at the club, said Mr Kokshoorn had been flying with the club for over a decade and visited up to five times a week.

'He was a devoted family man who loved his son very much,' Mr Rance said.

'I feel heartbroken for his partner.

It's something she will never get over.'

The doomed aircraft left the Gold Coast on Sunday night.

Mr Rance said the father and son were in good spirits when they left the Southport Flying Club at about 9am on Monday.

Police believe the pair stopped for the night before departing on Tuesday morning.

The light plane crashed just a few hours later.

On his LinkedIn profile, Mr Kokshoorn's described himself as 'motivated, driven, pro-active and flexible' who had worked in the aviation industry for over 20 years.

'My career has spanned the globe with extensive experience in international operations covering end-to-end services in the VIP corporate jet environment requiring an open mindset, utmost flexibility and adaptability while upholding the highest levels of safety and standard operating procedures,' he wrote.

Mr Kokshoorn (pictured) was an experienced pilot who flew Boeing 787's for All Nippon Airlines - one of Japan 's biggest airlines operating out of Tokyo

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is not investigating the crash

Police believe the plane was heading in a westerly direction before it crashed.

'A recreational aircraft clipped a powerline, as a consequence of that then crashed onto the banks of the Clarence River,' Acting Inspector Aaron van Schaik said.

'Unfortunately, the plane caught fire after the impact.'

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is not investigating the crash.

However, NSW Police are continuing investigations with assistance from Recreational Aviation Australia.

Up to 186 homes lost power as a result of the crash but it has since been restored.

References

1. ^ Olivia Day (www.dailymail.co.uk)
2. ^ Kevin Airs For Daily Mail Australia (www.dailymail.co.uk)
3. ^ Gold Coast (www.dailymail.co.uk)
4. ^ NSW (www.dailymail.co.uk)