Jake Anastas, 29, died Saturday when two light planes crashed into each other near Belimbla Park near Oakdale.

Qantas off-duty captain Gary Criddle, 72, was reported to have given instructions to Mr Anastas when the crash occurred, killing them both, along with the pilot of the second plane, Khadervali Gagguturu, 60.

Mr. Anastas was training for a commercial pilot license and had been flying for years when the fatal incident occurred.

His wife, Tori, told 9NEWS that Mr. Anastas was “an extraordinary husband” who had a “tremendous impact on everyone in his life.”

“He was my best friend and my world,” Ms. Anastas said.

“He loved flying and he made everything brighter; he always made me feel like I could fly with him.”

Mr Criddle’s family had previously expressed their devastation following the accident in a statement.

“We are absolutely devastated beyond words and in complete shock over this tragic loss,” the statement said.

“Gary, affectionately known as Gaz, was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and airman.

“He was a mentor to many aspiring pilots and an enthusiastic adventurer with plans to sail around the world.

“Gaz was full of fun, laughter and generosity. “His loss is immeasurable and he will be greatly missed.”

Qantas Chief Pilot Richard Tobiano described Mr Criddle as “a highly respected and loved member of the Qantas flying community”.

“We are deeply saddened to learn that an off-duty Qantas pilot was involved in the fatal light aircraft crash over Belimbla Park on Saturday,” he said.

“This is a very sad time for Captain Criddle’s family, friends and colleagues and we will provide them with as much support as we can.”

Mr Gagguturu’s son Saleem told The Guardian that his father often helped others, even creating a mechanism to help a stranger walk his disabled dog.

“One day he saw someone walking their disabled dog near our house and approached them and offered to help,” Saleem told The Guardian.

Saleem also told ABC that he and his family will “miss her forever.”

“He went out of his way to help everyone,” Saleem said.

“My mother, brother and I love him very much and his loss has left us and all our family and friends devastated and heartbroken.

“Although he was an extremely intelligent mechanic, programmer and pilot, his lifelong passion was flying and he died doing what he loved.

“We will miss him forever.”

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau spokesperson confirmed a full investigation will be carried out following the fatal incident.

“Over the coming days, investigators will carry out field mapping, examine the wreckage of both aircraft and recover all relevant components for further examination at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra,” the spokesman said.

“Investigators will also attempt to interview all witnesses and interested parties and gather relevant recorded information, including air traffic control and flight tracking data, as well as pilot and aircraft maintenance records and weather information.”

Originally published as: ‘My world’: Pilot identified as 29-year-old Jake Anastas after fatal plane crash south-west of Sydney