Jake Anastas identified as third pilot killed in mid-air collision in Sydney’s south-west

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Jake Anastas, 29, has been identified as the third pilot killed in a mid-air plane crash in Sydney’s south-west on Saturday, October 26.

Mr Anastas was completing his commercial pilot’s licence training when the crash happened around Belimbla Park near Oakdale on Saturday.

The 29-year-old’s wife Tori told 9NEWS Mr Anastas was a “remarkable husband” who “had a tremendous impact on everyone in his life.”

The aircraft crashed in bushland near Oakdale after colliding midair.
The aircraft crashed in bushland near Oakdale after colliding midair. Photo: ABC News.

“He was my best friend and my world. He loved flying and made everything brighter, he always made me feel like I could soar with him,” she said.

Mr Anastas was one of three men who died when two light planes collided and crashed into bushland before midday on Saturday. The other two men who died were off-duty Qantas captain Gary Criddle, 72, who was instructing Mr Anastas, and Khadervali Gagguturu, 60, who was the pilot in the second aircraft.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the crash.

Source: 9NEWS

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