A young pilot was supposed to celebrate his 21st birthday in just five weeks when he was tragically killed in a light plane crash.
Jack Miller, 20, died when his Cessna 150 light aircraft crashed near the Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome, about 50km northwest of Melbourne, at 11.20am on Tuesday.
Shortly after takeoff, Mr Millers aircraft descended and crashed into a paddock adjacent to the aerodrome.
Mr Millers grief-stricken sister Nicole Miller told 7NEWS she is devastated of the loss of her best friend, who she has remembered as a caring and kind-hearted man.
I couldnt believe it, I thought surely not because that wouldnt happen to such a great boy like Jack, she said.
Hes not gonna be here for his 21st birthday that we would have loved to have celebrated.
Its gonna be a really difficult day for everybody.
Ms Miller said the family takes some consolation knowing Mr Miller died doing what he loved.
Jack Miller, 20, died when his Cessna 150 light aircraft crashed near the Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome, about 50km northwest of Melbourne , at 11.20am on Tuesday
His sister has remembered him as her best friend and hero
She described his intelligence, his passion for flying and said he loved watching old war movies.
Not many people can say they went out doing exactly what they loved doing, she said.
After working hard to achieve his dream, Mr Miller attained his pilots licence earlier this year.
Hes just my hero, I cant believe how lucky I am to have such an amazing brother, Ms Miller said.
She said to all who knew him, her brother was an effortlessly authentic, caring, kind-hearted person.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched an investigation into the crash near the Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome, about 50km northwest of Melbourne, at 11.20am on Tuesday
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into the crash.
Investigators will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities on site, including wreckage examination, site mapping with a drone, and recovery of any relevant aircraft components for further examination at the ATSBs technical facilities in Canberra, an ATSB spokesman said.
Investigators will also seek to interview any witnesses and involved parties, and collect relevant recorded information including any flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather information.
Ms Miller said the results of the investigation wont alter the devastating loss felt by the family.
We still dont have him and nothing will ever fix the place he had in our lives, she said.
The Herald Sun reported Mr Millers aircraft was operated by the Bacchus Marsh Aero Club and a source said his death was very distressing.
The thoughts of the Bacchus Marsh Aero Club and the wider flying community are with the pilots family at this very difficult time, they said.
He was up doing something that he loved.