EDMONTON -- A well-known aerobatic pilot has been identified as one of the victims in a plane crash near Thorsby Saturday afternoon.

Sources tell CTV News Edmonton that 59-year-old Ken Fowler and 48-year-old Hannelie Eder were killed when their Harmon Rocket plane was travelling from Rocky Mountain House when it went down.

Fowler was a prominent aerobatic pilot, who was well known at air shows around Alberta.

“They were an important part of the culture here in Rocky Mountain House and at the airport. They were both skilled pilots,” said Wayne Pederson of the Rocky Mountain House Flying Club.

“Of course, Ken was a very skilled aerobatic performer, who’s performed all over Central America, Mexico, North America and doing fantastic shows for many years. And, Hannelie was just beginning in aerobatics,” said Pederson.

Pederson added that Fowler was mentoring Eder.

For 22 years, Fowler was also the manager of the Rocky Mountain House Airport.

The town released a statement on Monday.

"The Town of Rocky Mountain House extends its deepest condolences to the families of Mr. Fowler and his passenger," the statement reads. "Town Council and Administration will support staff who are grieving the sudden loss of their colleague and friend."

The Transportation Safety Board deployed a team of investigators to the crash scene Saturday afternoon.

Thorsby is about 70 kilometres southwest of Edmonton