Pilot Stephen Gale Identified as Second Victim in Port Phillip Plane Crash, Hopes Dwindle for Missing TV Cameraman James Rose

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : By David Southwell For Daily Mail Australia
Published: 00:43 EST, 20 November 2023 | Updated: 00:43 EST, 20 November 2023

Pilot Stephen Gale has been identified as the second man in the former fighter jet that sunk off Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula after colliding with its twin aircraft. As the search continues in the Port Phillip waters, hopes of finding Mr. Gale or TV cameraman James Rose, who was filming in the Viper S-211 Marchetti when it plunged into the ocean, alive have faded. Authorities are now focusing on recovering the bodies after the two Vipers collided at around 1.40pm on Sunday, approximately 12km west of Mount Martha.

The other aircraft miraculously managed to stay airborne and safely landed at Essendon Airport. Stephen Gale, an experienced pilot, has been identified as the second man in the former fighter jet that sunk off Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula on Sunday. Rose, 30, was filming footage for a new TV show when the aircraft collided. The pair were reportedly working on a documentary series called ‘Jet School,’ which aimed to teach people with no flying experience how to fly. The show had been in development for five years and was planned to be a five-part series, although it did not have the backing of a broadcaster.

In a promotional clip for the show, Gale asked, “What would happen if you took a group of highly skilled individuals who’d barely even thought of flying before, taught them to fly, but didn’t stop there? Could they master aerobatics, formation flying, or even fly military jets?” Rose, an experienced camera operator who had previously worked on shows like Masterchef, was excited to be part of the project.

Despite a massive search operation uncovering wreckage from the plane, there has been no sign of Mr. Rose or the pilot. A distressing mayday call by the surviving pilot sheds light on the aftermath of the collision. “Viper 1 … mayday, mayday, mayday,” the surviving pilot radioed to air traffic control. The air traffic control operator responded, “Viper 1, roger your mayday. You anticipate Viper 1 in the water?” The pilot replied, “I am anticipating Viper 2 in the water… we can see a splash mark.”

Both planes involved in the collision are operated by Jetworks Aviation and offer 45-minute joy flights costing $7,750, simulating a military fighter jet experience with “only one wing span separating the aircraft.” The website describes the experience, which includes a combat leaders brief and a formation flight over Melbourne’s skyline.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau and Victoria Police are currently investigating the crash. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has any footage to come forward and contact the Bureau.

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