An ageing but luxuriously refitted Beechcraft A36 Bonanza crashed into a paddock at Chambers Flat, near Logan, south of Brisbane, on Monday, killing company boss Ian Campbell, 56, and his 23-year-old daughter Hannah. The pair had been airborne for just eight minutes after taking off from Archerfield Airport, with witnesses reporting thick smoke pouring from the engine before the aircraft plunged and burst into flames. Mr Campbell, owner of Barambah Organics and a pilot of more than 25 years, had rented the plane from Queensland charter firm Telford Aviation; the Australian Transport Safety Bureau is now investigating the aircraft's service and flight history.

Built in 1979, the six-seater plane had been extensively refurbished by a previous owner, a retired airline pilot, who fitted a new engine and luxury private-jet-style seating before selling it to Telford Aviation for $350,000 in 2022, describing it as "no expense spared". Flight data showed air traffic control cleared the aircraft for take-off at 10.57am, struggled to maintain radio contact, and recorded it reaching 1,000ft at 11am before a five-minute descent ended in the fatal crash at 11.05am. It was reportedly the plane's first logged flight since 31 July, and it is unclear whether any mayday call was made, though some aviation enthusiasts have suggested Mr Campbell may have been attempting an emergency landing.