Four died in a light plane crash off Australia's east coast in light plane crash as four people were killed

Police said on Sunday morning, a light plane crashed into waters off Australia's east coast killing all four people on board, including two children, according to police.

The 69-year-old male pilot had taken the three passengers on a joy ride, according to police, allowing them to fly down into a wetland area northeast of Brisbane shortly after taking off.

Pictures showed the Rockwell International aircraft floating upside down in Moreton Bay.

Inspector Craig White described the male passenger and children as "younger than adolescents". Police are continuing to work on the identification of the male passenger and the children, which inspector Craig White said were "younger than teenagers".

"This is a tragic accident... during the lead-up to Christmas and the last thing that any family will need to accomplish at this time of the year, at any time," White said.

Commissioner Angus Mitchell of the Australian Transportation Safety Board stated that a report into the likely cause of the crash would be completed in six to eight weeks.