Lane Kokshoorn and 10-year-old son meet untimely end in recreational plane tragedy

A heart-wrenching selfie has emerged, capturing the final moments of Lane Kokshoorn, 30, and his 10-year-old son, before their tragic demise in a plane crash. The father-son duo reportedly clipped power lines while flying a recreational kit plane, leading to a fatal impact near Grafton in New South Wales, Australia.

The chilling photograph shows the pair smiling in the cockpit, unaware of the fate that awaited them. The crash occurred as Mr. Kokshoorn, an experienced pilot, was operating the Highlander Rotax 914UL. The aircraft crashed into flames at a property in Lilydale, leaving both father and son pronounced dead at the scene.

As funeral preparations unfold, friends and family shared the poignant snapshot on social media, eliciting an outpouring of love and condolences. An online invite describes the event as a celebration of their lives, with the poignant message, “Two beautiful souls shall soar the skies forever.”

Expressions of sorrow flooded Facebook, with friends conveying their sympathies to the grieving Kokshoorn family. The tragic incident unfolded as the pair, having stayed overnight at the Southport Flying Club, embarked on their journey the next day around 9 am.

Authorities believe the plane was headed westward before the crash occurred. Emergency response agencies, including paramedics, police, and the State Emergency Service, rushed to the scene, but both individuals were declared deceased. The aircraft had clipped a power line, crashed onto the banks of the Clarence River, and subsequently caught fire.

Steve Rance, aerodrome manager at the Southport Flying Club, paid tribute to the devoted father, a frequent visitor to the club. Lane and his son, described as avid aviators, were reported to be in high spirits before their ill-fated trip.

Despite the tragedy, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is not conducting an investigation. NSW Police, in collaboration with Recreational Aviation Australia, are actively pursuing inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, leaving a community in mourning and prompting reflection on the inherent risks associated with recreational aviation.