A YOUNG girl’s entire family has been wiped out after a plane crashed into the sea.
Newly-trained pilot Christian Kath, 42, was flying a light aircraft with his wife Misty, 43, and eldest daughter Lily, 12, on board when it plunged into the water off the coast of Florida, US.
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The trio, who had moved to St Petersburg in Florida from Australia, had been on a trip to the nearby city of Venice, US, for dinner and were returning home when the plane went down, police said.
Christian and Misty’s youngest daughter, Harper, was at a sleepover at her friend’s house when the smash happened.
The family had rented a single-engine Piper Cherokee for the short trip, but it failed to return to its origin airport on Saturday.
Police said Misty’s body was found a few kilometres from the wreckage, while Lily’s was found inside the plane.
Christian remains missing as emergency crews continue to search for his body.
Police Chief Charlie Thorpe said it is not yet clear what caused the plane to crash.
Christian was flying to plane and had previously posted on Facebook saying he was learning to fly solo, completing his first trip in March.
City of Venice police tweeted: “After consultation with the Coast Guard, the search area for the missing pilot in the Gulf has been expanded area-wise, but assets have been scaled back.
“Boaters from Sarasota Bay south to Gasparilla should be aware of the possibility of a body or small aircraft debris floating.”
Christian had started flying lessons in December last year and in March said he was “halfway through” his private pilot’s licence training in a social media post.
In a chilling Facebook post, he said he was looking forward to taking his family on a trip.
He wrote: “I flew solo for the first time today!
“Felt so proud to finally achieve something I’ve been wanting to do since I was eight years old.
“Started my lessons in late December and am about half way though my private pilot license now.
“Thanks for putting up with my early morning lessons and late night studying Misty Kath; it will all feel worthwhile when we can fly to the Keys for a weekend away with Lily and Harper soon.
“Feel lucky to live and be learning to fly in such a beautiful part of the world!”
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Katie Davis
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