Tributes have poured in from friends and family of the three people who died when a light plane crashed at Shellharbour Airport on Saturday morning.

Andrew Connors, 55, who was the pilot, and his wife Julieanne, 54, along with fellow passenger Colin McLachlan, 73, perished in the crash.

Investigations are continuing into how the accident occurred.

Andrew and Julieanne Connors. Photo: Facebook

Emergency services rushed to the scene after the aircraft crashed around 10am at the southern end of the airport.

The Piper Cherokee Lance Officers reportedly rose around 30 metres into the air before it crashed to the tarmac shortly after take-off.

Upon impact, the plane erupted into flames.

They were heading to Bathurst to watch the Bathurst 1000 Supercars race at the famous Mt Panorama track.

The blaze was extinguished by Rural Fire Service crews who coincidentally were in the midst of a training exercise at the airport in Albion Park Rail.

Members of the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society Museum, who were having an open day on Saturday, also assisted in the emergency response efforts.

Andrew was described in online tributes from friends as someone “who lived life to the fullest” who “left a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to have crossed paths with you”.

He and his wife, who owned Connors Building, were remembered “visionary leaders” and “really lovely” members of their community.

Colin was “a lovely guy, always chatty and friendly”, according to a social media tribute from a friend.

Pop star Guy Sebastian was among the many to post tributes, describing how Andrew had saved him a small fortune on a building job.

“The world lost three wonderful people on Saturday. Two of which I was lucky enough to know and call my friends. Andrew and Jules Connors were the kindest, most generous people you could know.

“I met Andrew 15 years ago when he told me I was being ripped off for a building job down the south coast. He did the job for less than a quarter of what I was quoted from other builders. 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. He was a volunteer pilot for the flying doctors.

“He was always front and centre at the Convoy and so many other charities. Even down to making sure he donated blood, Andrew and Jules epitomised what it meant to be a shining light in a community.

“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.”

Federal MP for Whitlam Carol Berry issued a statement on Saturday evening after the victims had been identified and their families had been informed of the tragedy.

"On behalf of everyone in the Whitlam electorate I offer condolences to the families and loved ones of the three victims of this tragedy.

"I would also like to acknowledge and thank all the first responders to this tragic accident, including those who were on the scene to assist from the HARS Museum."

Lake Illawarra Police District chief inspector Aaron Wunderlich described the crash site as "quite a gruesome scene".

"We've got several witnesses that were here, we had RFS on the scene for a training exercise ... also people at the HARS (Aviation) museum have witnessed it and we've got some CCTV that captures part of the incident.

“Unfortunately, the plane was engulfed.”

Recently elected Kiama MP Katelin McInerney issued a statement after the triple fatality. The Shellharbour Airport is within the northern part of the Kiama state electorate.

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

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has asked if any members of the public have footage of the incident to make contact via its website.