'Our hearts are broken': Families mourn two Australians killed in Philippines plane crash

 'Our hearts are broken': Families mourn two Australians killed in Philippines plane crash

The families of two South Australians who were killed in a light plane crash in a remote area of the Philippines have told of their heartbreak.

Simon Chipperfield and Karthi Santhanam, both from Adelaide, were on board the Cessna 340 when it crashed into a volcano on Saturday.

The six-seater aircraft was bound for the capital Manila when it lost contact with air traffic control after it left Bicol International Airport in Albay province.

Chipperfield, Santhanam, a pilot and a crew member were all confirmed dead, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said.

Two Filipino soldiers also died in an accident while gathering supplies for the search mission.

The families of Chipperfield and Santhanam issued a joint statement thanking rescue teams for their efforts.

"Simon and Karthi were kind, intelligent and deeply loved husbands, fathers, sons and brothers," the statement read.

"Our hearts are broken by our devastating loss; both had so much more to give.

"We offer deep gratitude to the brave Philippine search and rescue teams and to the Australian and Philippine governments for their ongoing support.

"We are strengthened by the outpouring of love and support from around the world."