One of Australia’s most recognised singers has paid tribute to two of his friends who were killed in a light plane crash in New South Wales.

Aussie singer Guy Sebastian has paid a touching tribute to two of his friends who were killed in a devastating light plane crash south of Sydney.

Andrew Connors, 55, his wife Julianne, 54, and their friend Colin McLachlan, 73, were on board the aircraft when it went down not long after take-off from Shellharbour Airport on Saturday.

At the time, the trio were heading to the Bathurst 1000 race.

Guy Sebastian was a long-time friend of Andrew Connors. Picture: Instagram

Andrew Connors and his wife Julianne died after planning on heading to the Bathurst 1000 race from Shellharbour Airport. Picture: Supplied
Sebastian took to social media not long after learning his friends Mr and Mrs Conners had been killed, with the singer saying he has been left “absolutely heartbroken”.

He described the pair as the “kindest, most generous people you could know”.

Sebastian said he met Mr Connors 15 years ago when he was quoted for a housing job on the South Coast after being “ripped off” on a build.

“He did the job for less than a quarter of what I was quoted from other builders,” Sebastian said.

“That was the start of a friendship and the first of many acts of integrity and honour that I witnessed from Andrew.

“He loved his family and mates with everything he had. He built shelters for our foundation to help women escaping violence.”

Andrew Connors was a volunteer pilot for flying doctors. Picture: Instagram
The Australian Idol winner said Mr Connors was the “shining light” within the community, being actively involved in various charities as well as a volunteer pilot for flying doctors.

“Andrew and Jules epitomised what it meant to be a shining light in a community,” Sebastian said.

“As a friend, he was always checking in and cheering me on. The world is not the same without them.

“Thinking of the families involved and sending love to the Connors and also Colin’s family. Absolutely heartbroken.”

A collage of pictures, from fishing and snow trips to sitting in a light plane together, showed Sebastian and Mr Connors looking happy and bubbly.

Guy Sebastian said Andrew Connors was the “shining light” within the community. Picture: Instagram
Thousands of messages flooded the post after Sebastian revealed his heartbreak.

Sebastian’s wife Jules said: “Such a loss. Very good humans.”

Nova radio star Michael “Wippa” Wipfli said: “This is really hard. I’m so sorry. Sending love from the family.”

Another said: “The South Coast community is heartbroken. Sending thoughts to the friends and family of all involved.”

Andrew Barber from NSW Fire and Rescue said the plane had crashed “quite heavily on the airport”. Picture: Nine
Investigations remain ongoing after the Piper Cherokee Lance aircraft suddenly “dipped” seconds after take-off.

NSW Police Inspector Aaron Wunderlich said witnesses explained the aircraft dipped with its left wing coming down and touching the tarmac.

One local told SkyNews.com.au that people had gathered to watch emergency crews at work, many unknowing of the triple fatality.

Andrew Barber from NSW Fire and Rescue said the plane had crashed “quite heavily on the airport”.

“It was engulfed with fire,” he said.

Guy Sebastian won Australian Idol’s inaugural season in 2003. Picture: Tim Hunter / NCA

Guy Sebastian met Andrew Connors 15 years ago when he was quoted for a housing job on the South Coast. Picture: Supplied
“There was an RFS crew on scene… at the airport itself, they were on the scene within 20 minutes.

“Unfortunately, due to the nature of the crash there was nothing anybody could have done for the occupants.”

He said the impact from the tarmac had ruptured the fuel tanks, the contents of which ignited straight away, resulting in a large fire.

“(The plane) did disintegrate upon impact with the ground, one wing got lost completely, the rest of the plane was in the centre of the runway in one piece,” he said.

“It’s not a nice situation to witness.”

Kiama MP Katelin McInerney said her thoughts were with the loved ones of those involved.

“Devastating news this morning from Shellharbour Airport,” she said.

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved in the crash, as well as the dedicated first responders.”