WHAT WE KNOW:

A plane crashed into DFO shopping centre killing five people

Four American golfers heading to King Island, Tasmania, were killed

Initial report into crash expected to be delivered within 28 days

Full report to be released weeks or months after initial report

Bodies of those killed were yesterday removed from the aircraft

AN initial report into what caused the shocking Essendon Airport crash which killed four US golfers and a much-loved pilot will be released within 28 days.

The nation’s air safety watchdog revealed “interesting facets” had been discovered in the wreckage and records of the doomed aircraft, but said it was keeping all options open as to the possible cause of the tragedy.

The bodies of those killed were yesterday removed from the aircraft.

A coronial hearing into the accident is expected.

ATSB chief commissioner Greg Hood said the plane veered left and struck the roof of a retail building containing Focus on Furniture and JB Hi Fi not long after a mayday call from pilot Max Quartermain.

The veteran airman did not give details on what trouble he was experiencing other than repeatedly logging a “mayday” call.

A full report into the accident is not expected for weeks or months after the preliminary report is released.

DOOMED ESSENDON DFO PLANE GONE IN 60 SECONDS

VICTIM EERILY SPOKE OF SMALL PLANE FEARS DAYS BEFORE CRASH

media_camera The ATSB has taken over investigations into the crash. Picture: Rob Leeson.

media_camera Fire and Damage to the DFO shopping complex in the aftermath of a plane crash at Essendon Fields. Picture: Channel 7

media_camera The plane crash at Essendon Airport. Picture: Twitter

media_camera An aircraft wheel lies on the Tullamarine Freeway. AAP Image

Bulla Rd, which was closed following the plane crash, reopened to traffic from 3.30pm on Wednesday afternoon.

Meanwhile a line search is being conducted at Essendon Airport.

People dressed in hi-vis have been searching a closed off area of the airport, at the corner of English St and Wirraway Rd.

The search follows a line search on the runway by authorities last night. Victoria Police said it was not in charge of the search at the airport this afternoon.

The ATBS took ownership of the crash site from police on Wednesday.

Four of the bureau’s most experienced investigators with backgrounds in flight operations, aeronautical engineering and mechanics will run the probe and are expected to remain on site for several days.

Although some had speculated catastrophic engine failure caused the crash, the investigators were trained not to have any bias in their work.

The type of aircraft involved is twin engine and typically capable of climbing out of trouble if one fails.

Mr Hood said parts of the plane would need to be recovered from the roof of the retail building while a nearby carpark is also part of the extensive accident scene.

ATSB briefs media on Essendon plane crash ATSB briefs media on Essendon plane crash

Eyewitness accounts, video and photos from the public will be crucial to finding out why the plane crashed.

Already about 100 witnesses have come forward including pilots who fly the same type of plane and were standing alongside the runway.

The Super King Air plane, VH ZCR, at about 8.30am taxied for departure bound for King Island on the southern runway and commenced takeoff at 8.59am.

“Not long after the pilot declared a mayday to air traffic control,’’ Mr Hood said.

“The aircraft veered left and struck the roof of the retail outlet coming to rest not far and being destroyed in a post impact fire.

‘’As Australia’s no blame transport safety investigator we won’t be participating in any speculation.

“It’s very important when investigating an aviation transport accident you remain completely objective.

“Whilst in the initial walk-through yesterday, the initial examination of records, we discovered some interesting facets we really need to gather all the evidence and conduct the analysis.”

media_camera Max and Cilla Quartermain run the company that operated the flight.

CRASH PILOT ALREADY UNDER INVESTIGATION

ESSENDON AIRPORT’S FUTURE IN SPOTLIGHT AMID OVERDEVELOPMENT FEARS

PATRICK CARLYON: RESIDENTS RECALL AIRFIELD’S GRIM PAST

WITNESSES DESCRIBE FIREBALL AFTER LIGHT PLANE CRASHES AT ESSENDON FIELDS

NEWS PICTURES: FIREYS BATTLE WRECK

media_camera An image from flightaware.com, of registered aircraft VH-ZCR.

The pilot’s history, which includes a near-miss in September 2015, would form part of the investigation as it would with any crash.

The final report into that incident is due soon.

Mr Hood said the pilot did not give detailed information when he made the mayday call.

“My understanding is that he only used the word mayday a number of times,’’ Mr Hood said.

“My understanding is that he didn’t refer to the specific nature of the emergency and he declared mayday and said that a number of times.

“Obviously that can relate to a number of things that can go wrong.”

Victoria Police Supt Michael Frewen said detectives from Moonee Valley CIU would lead the investigations for the Coroner including getting eyewitness accounts, social media material and CCTV footage.

The families of the US men were receiving support from the US consulate while family of the pilot were also being given assistance.

Essendon Fields chief executive officer Chris Cowan said the airport and DFO remained closed until further notice.

He said he did not personally know the pilot but he was “well regarded” by the Essendon aviation community.

Asked about criticisms about the airport’s development and proximity to residents, Mr Cowan said planning was rigorous and subject to extensive community consultation.

“The airport’s got an enviable safety record,’’ he said.

“Airports and cities mix and that’s a reality of modern day life.

“We looked forward to the report being completed and that will be considered in future planning considerations.”

Final moments before a light plane crashes into Essendon's DFO killing all on board. Courtesy: Ten Eyewitness News Final moments before a light plane crashes into Essendon's DFO killing all on board. Courtesy: Ten Eyewitness News

Earlier Premier Daniel Andrews said Essendon Airport is unlikely to be closed down after yesterday’s crash but it will be made safer.

Mr Andrews said he will be guided by investigations and reports on the airport’s future.

“The emotion is real, but let’s not be taken away from the facts and the findings, that’s what will guide a better outcome,” he told ABC radio this morning.

“There have certainly been people who have wanted Essendon Airport closed for a very long time, and I don’t think that’s going to happen, but if we can make it safer then of course we all stand ready to do that.”

Peak-hour motorists looked on in horror yesterday as the explosion — likened to “an atomic bomb”— erupted when the plane sliced into the roof and then slammed into the loading dock area at the building’s rear.

Witness Angelo Tsatas, who was working at a nearby jetski factory, heard the doomed plane’s engine “revving” before watching its final seconds.

“I looked up and saw the plane banking to the left,’’ he said.

“It hit the roof and then exploded — the flames were that high they were above the roof of DFO. Cars were on fire, tyres were exploding.

“The heat was so intense and the smell of jet fuel was so strong.”

Another witness watched as the plane’s wheel bounced on the road and hit the front of the taxi he was travelling in.

The man said he could feel the heat through the taxi’s window.

Australian Corporate Jet Centres is the registered operator of the plane, but had no involvement in the catastrophic flight.

Company owner Sam Iliades told the Herald Sun Mr Quartermain’s company, Corporate and Leisure Aviation, which he ran with wife Cilla, had hired the plane for the next four days.

Mr Iliades said his company had only just become the registered operator and the plane’s owners had kept meticulous records.

media_camera Shocked workers at DFO. AAP Image

wes.hosking@news.com.au