An experienced pilot who died in a small plane crash that left his son seriously injured has been named as a well-known businessman and beloved grandfather.
Jim Auld, 67, was flying the plane with his son Robert, 32, on board when it took off from McIntyres airfield on Palmers Island, near Yamba, northern New South Wales, shortly before 11.30am on Sunday.
The plane crashed a few minutes after taking off from the private runway.
Several ambulances and a rescue helicopter attended the scene, where Mr Auld was found dead.
His son suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Gold Coast Hospital.
“We all hope Robert pulls through,” Mr Auld’s devastated brother Peter told the newspaper. Daily Telegraph.
Mr Auld’s name was actually Jason, but “everyone called him Jim”, according to his brother.
The father-of-four was a respected businessman and estate agent in the Coffs Harbor region who enjoyed mentoring young people.
Jim Auld (pictured) died in a small plane crash on Sunday. He was piloting the plane, while his son, who was a passenger, was seriously injured in the accident.
The plane crashed shortly after take-off, at around 11.30am, from McIntyres Airfield on Palmer’s Island. The consequences are shown in the photo.
Mr Auld is survived by his wife, three daughters, son Robert and three grandchildren.
“He had started to take things slower and spend more time with the family,” added his brother Peter.
“It’s a difficult time for everyone.”
Auld, who owned two properties in northern New South Wales, had been a private pilot for more than two decades and regularly flew his own aircraft.
“Both properties had livestock and that kept him pretty busy,” his brother said.
Jim Auld (left) was a much-loved Coffs Harbor estate agent and businessman.
The real estate agent was also a stock and station owner, auctioneer and owner of Coffs Coast Property Sales.
“With over 30 years of experience in the real estate industry, Jim has worked as a licensee and principal for various agencies since 1990, and first registered as a real estate salesperson in the 1970s,” the website states. of your company.
News of Mr Auld’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes.
‘Terrible news. “Always a good guy to work with,” one wrote.
Another added: “Jim was a decent and nice person.”
A third wrote: ‘Really nice guy and very experienced driver. My warmest thoughts and condolences to the Auld family.
New South Wales Police established the crime scene and launched an investigation into the accident.
Images from the crash site showed dozens of first responders and bystanders near the wreckage just off the dusty runway (pictured).
Images from the crash site showed dozens of first responders and bystanders near the debris, right next to the dusty runway.
A team from the Rural Fire Service attended the scene to provide fire protection, along with the State Emergency Service.
Crash investigators remained on scene Sunday night with the public to avoid the area.
It is expected to take some time before the cause of the accident is determined.