http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/s...98-953,00.html
A QUEENSLAND man who died in an air crash north of Melbourne last night has been named as 50-year-old aviation engineer Steve Nott.
Mr Nott, from Cairns, died when a twin-engined plane being piloted by a 34-year-old Victorian woman crashed near Clonbinane, 60km north of Melbourne, at 8.20pm yesterday.
Residents nearby reported hearing a plane in trouble and an explosion shortly after, Victoria Police spokesman Wayne Wilson said yesterday.
A search of the area was launched, involving police air and ground crews and volunteers from the Country Fire Authority and State Emergency Service.
The wreckage was found by a police helicopter crew about 9.45pm.
There were no other people on board the flight.
The fatal flight took off from Essendon Airport shortly before 8pm bound for Shepparton, 180km northeast of Melbourne.
The plane came down in heavy scrub near Drag Hill and Raynors roads, south of Clonbinane.
The weather bureau had issued a severe weather warning for western and central districts of Victoria, including the crash site, for severe winds averaging 75km/h with gusts to 110km/h, especially in elevated areas.
The area is near the top of the Great Dividing Range.
Monument Hill, a short distance west of the crash site, rises to 480m above sea level.
Police and the SES guarded the scene last night while awaiting the crash investigators.
The bodies of the two victims will most likely be recovered today
Steven Nott was owner of General Aviation Maintenance.
RIP Steve and condolences to all family and friends.
Di
