The occupant of the other aircraft, a 77-year-old man, was also killed.
Residents struggling to come to terms with the tragedy have remembered Turner, 80, as a beloved local glider.
It is understood Turner was in the air just 20 minutes before the collision occurred.
“We heard a large bang, I thought that doesn’t sound good,” witness John Kenman said.
“I didn’t really know, I never imagined the two might’ve collided.”
Mayor of Gympie Regional Council said “it’s difficult” to determine what exactly had occurred to cause the collision.
“In these circumstances, it’s very difficult to determine what’s gone on,” he said.
“You just feel for the families involved.”
Debris from the aircrafts was thrown hundreds of metres apart through nearby paddocks.
Police said that they will remain on scene for some time collecting evidence.