The pilot, Max Quartermain, 63, reported the plane had ‘catastrophic engine failure’ moments before the crash.
The four American men, including a former FBI agent, had booked flights across Australia and New Zealand visiting famous locations and playing golf.
Only hours before the crash, Glenn Garland, posted to Facebook that ‘Melbourne is one magnificent and amazing city.’
The other victims, Greg DeHaven, 70, John Washburn, 67, and Russell Munsch have been mourned on social media.
‘Glenn Garland was more than a colleague to me, he was a visionary and a close friend. I am devastated to hear of his passing and my heart and thoughts are with his family,’ his co-worker, Jim Stimmel told news.com.au
Greg DeHaven’s sister posted an emotional tribute to her older brother on Facebook:
The pilot, Mr Quartermain, 63, was remembered on Facebook by his friend Steve Atto:
Miraculously no one in the centre was hurt.
