The family of the co-pilot who died in a light plane crash south-west of Sydney described him as “fearless, intelligent and above all a generous and loving man with a heart of gold”.

Khadervali Gagguturu, 60, was flying one of the light planes that collided mid-air in Belimbla Park on Saturday.

One of three people killed in the accident.

His son Saleem told ABC News that those who knew him were “devastated” by his death.

“He did his best to help everyone,” he said.

“My mother, brother and I love him so much and his loss has left us, all our family and friends, devastated and heartbroken.

“Although he was an extremely intelligent mechanic, programmer and pilot, his lifelong passion remained flying, and he died doing what he loved.

Qantas pilot identified as first victim

It was confirmed on Sunday that veteran Qantas pilot Gary Criddle was also a victim of the crash.

His family remembered him as “a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and airman.”

“We are absolutely devastated beyond words and in complete shock over this tragic loss,” they said in a statement.

“Gary was a highly experienced pilot with 36 years with Qantas and 20 years in the navy and air force.

“He was a mentor to many aspiring pilots and an enthusiastic adventurer with plans to sail around the world,” they said.

The third man, who died at the scene along with Mr Criddle and Mr Gagguturu, has not been identified.

Investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau remained at the scene on Monday afternoon, collecting forensic evidence from two crash scenes in an attempt to determine what went wrong.

One of the planes was traveling from Cessnock to Wollongong while the other was coming from an airport in The Oaks.