The same cannot be said for the families of the five Nautronix staff that were on board the aircraft, one of whom has died as a result of injuries.

Fugro Airborne Survey was incorrectly named in a number of mainstream publications and news services as being the operator of the aircraft, which reportedly lost power as it was taking off and crashed and burst into flames when trying to return to the airstrip.

"We have lost a very dear friend and a very professional engineer," said a statement released minutes ago by the Fremantle-based Nautronix.

"His family have lost a loving husband and dad. His family and the families of our injured colleagues face a difficult time ahead. Therefore at this juncture it is the focus of the staff and Nautronix as a whole to provide the utmost support to the all of the families in whatever way we can.

"This is a tragedy and I hope the media will respect our company's desire to make no further comment at this time," said the company.

No statement has been forthcoming from Fugro Spatial Solutions, which a Fugro Airborne spokesman confirmed as being the plane's operator. "All our planes are accounted for," said the Airborne spokesman.

Fugro Spatial managing director John Lazarus was unavailable for comment all morning with Fugro Spatial managers having to refer all queries back to the Perth.

Six people were on board the plane, which according to witnesses, experienced power problems during take off.

Sources within the industry said the pilot, who is seriously injured, had many hours experience.

"He is a former Kevron pilot and very respected," said one source.