Pilot's body found and missing passenger identified as young Queensland mum after horrific plane crash
Authorities are trying to find the body of a Queensland mum presumed to have died during a joy flight to celebrate her birthday.
Mother of an 11-year-old daughter, Trista Applebee, 31, was on a scenic flight with pilot Marcel van Hattem when their Soviet-era Yak 52 crashed into the sea off the Gold Coast.
Mr van Hattem's body was found on Thursday afternoon. He was 52.
Crews will continue searching the crash scene of South Stradbroke Island on Friday, hoping to locate Ms Applebee's body.
More details have emerged about why it took until about 1pm for the plane to be reported missing after it took off at 10am on Wednesday, on what should have been a short joyride.
Southport Flying Club aerodrome manager Steve Rance said authorities were alerted after Ms Applebee's boyfriend was left waiting at the airstrip for his partner to return.
"He said he was waiting for his girlfriend who had been on a flight that took off at 10am and was only supposed to go for half an hour," Mr Rance told The Gold Coast Bulletin.
"That's when one of our members raised the alarm and we contacted Airservices (Australia)".
Mr van Hattem, an experienced and respected pilot, had taken Ms Applebee for a scenic flight as an early present to mark her birthday on Thursday.
Southport Flying Club president Neil Aitkenhead says it is clear something went horribly wrong for the pilot.
Mr van Hattem was a regular at the club's airstrip and was proficient, Mr Aitkenhead said.
"It's a tragedy," he said.
Mr Aitkenhead said flying conditions were perfect when the pair climbed into the Soviet-era Yak 52.
The plane was spotted flying over South Stradbroke Island about half an hour later and then debris were found in the early evening.
Mr Van Hattem’s dog was pictured waiting for his owner at his Gold Coast home.
With AAP
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