Major update in search for MasterChef cameraman James Rose & pilot in Melbourne jet crash as human remains found
HUMAN remains have been found a day after the fighter jet that crashed in Australia with two people onboard was located.
Crews have been scouring Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay since Sunday in a search for MasterChef cameraman James Rose and pilot Stephen Gale.
The pair were onboard the jet that was involved in a mid-air crash with another plane over Melbourne‘s Port Phillip Bay on Sunday.
Experienced pilot Stephen Gale, the owner of aviation company Jetworks Aviation is believed to be the second victim.
On Wednesday morning, police discovered what they believe are human remains in Port Phillip Bay.
It comes just a day after a large part of the body of the plane was found off the shore of Mornington.
A statement read: “Divers have searched the wreckage today during what is a complex recovery.”
Previously a plane tyre and another part of the wreckage were found in the bay.
Police are set to search the wreckage once it’s removed from the water on Wednesday.
An explosive charge in the ex-military plane’s ejector seats is believed to be hampering removal efforts.
The charge had not yet been fired and posed a potential threat to rescue divers, international aviation consultant Neil Hansford told 7NEWS.
“It’s going to require the expertise of, I think, ex-military people, or current air force or naval people, who are used to handling explosive charges that are under the water,” he said.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has confirmed it is investigating the crash, with a preliminary report due to be released in two months.
Investigators are still working to determine what caused the two aircraft to collide mid-air, approximately 7.4 miles west of Mornington.
It is understood the two Viper S-211 Marchetti jet planes were conducting a formation flight over the bay when they collided.
Rose’s jet plunged into the water, while the other was able to return to Essendon Airport – with two people onboard – including off-duty Qantas captain Joanne Mein.
It is understood Rose was filming for the TV series Any Fool Can Fly when the plane crashed.
The show is about teaching people with no experience – including Australian comedian Tommy Little – how to fly.
A Qantas spokesperson said: “The news has shocked the Qantas and Jetstar pilot communities and everyone’s thoughts are with these families.
“We’ve reached out to those involved and are providing whatever support we can.”
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