Ian Campbell, the founder of Barambah Organics, and his 23-year-old daughter Hannah have been identified as the two people killed in a fatal light plane crash at Chambers Flat, south-east of Brisbane.
The Beechcraft A36 Bonanza came down in a paddock near Musch Road, in the Logan suburb of Stockleigh, shortly after 11am on Monday, September 7. Both occupants, who were from Ascot, were pronounced dead at the scene. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-08/barambah-organics-ian-and-hannah-campbell-die-in-plane-crash/107126962?utm_source=openai))
The aircraft had taken off from Archerfield Airport at about 10.57am and was airborne for only a few minutes before crashing. Flight-tracking data indicated it reached roughly 1,000ft before descending towards the ground, where the impact sparked a grass fire.
Eight Queensland Fire Department crews were sent to extinguish the blaze, while police and other emergency services attended the rural property. Wreckage was scattered across the blackened field.
Witnesses reported that the aircraft was flying unusually low and that its engine appeared to be running roughly or spluttering before it banked and fell from the sky.
One witness, Eldjie Cojocaru, told 7News the plane had been flying directly over his house when he noticed the apparent engine trouble.
“It was flying directly over our house, quite low, and it was spluttering so it was clear that there was some engine issues,” he said. “I saw it bank and it went down, and then I heard a bang.”
Investigators examine wreckage after Chambers Flat plane crash
Three investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau began examining the wreckage on Monday afternoon. Their work includes checking the aircraft’s flight controls, engine and propeller, while avionics and other recording equipment are being recovered for further analysis in Canberra.
The ATSB said investigators would also interview witnesses and examine aircraft maintenance and pilot records. A preliminary report outlining the factual circumstances of the crash is expected in about eight weeks, although the cause has not been established. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-08/barambah-organics-ian-and-hannah-campbell-die-in-plane-crash/107126962?utm_source=openai))
Police have appealed for anyone who saw or heard the aircraft before it crashed, or who may have captured relevant footage on a dashcam or mobile phone, to come forward.
Chief Superintendent Mel Adams described the scene as confronting and urged witnesses to contact Queensland Police as a matter of priority.
Campbell founded Barambah Organics with his wife, Jane, in 2002 after converting his fourth-generation family farm. The family remains part-owner of the organic dairy company and has also been involved in agricultural operations in the Goondiwindi region. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-08/barambah-organics-ian-and-hannah-campbell-die-in-plane-crash/107126962?utm_source=openai))
Goondiwindi Mayor Lawrence Springborg said the family had the support and goodwill of the local community, describing the tragedy as devastating. He said Ian and Hannah had helped raise more than $70,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The RFDS Queensland chief executive, Meredith Staib, said the organisation was deeply saddened by the deaths and described the Campbells as treasured ambassadors who had made a significant contribution to regional Queensland. ([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-08/barambah-organics-ian-and-hannah-campbell-die-in-plane-crash/107126962?utm_source=openai))
The family had recently completed the Kokoda Track as part of their support for the service. In an interview published before the expedition, Jane Campbell spoke about the family’s shared enthusiasm for flying and said she and her husband had learnt to fly at Archerfield in 1999.
Tributes have since been paid to Hannah, with friends remembering her as a warm and energetic young woman. Colleagues at Barambah Organics also gathered to mourn Ian, whose legacy the company’s chief executive Chris Elliott said would continue through the brand.
