Coffs Harbour businessman Jim Auld identified as pilot killed in horror light plane crash at Palmers Island
A veteran pilot who died in a light plane crash that seriously injured his son has been named as a well-known businessman and beloved grandfather.
Jim Auld, 67, was piloting the plane with son Robert, 32, on board when it took off from McIntyres Airfield on Palmers Island near Yamba in northern NSW shortly before 11.30am on Sunday.
The plane crashed just minutes after taking off from the private airstrip.
Several ambulances and a rescue helicopter rushed to the scene of the accident, where Mr Auld was found dead.
His son suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Gold Coast Hospital.
“We all hope Robert makes it,” said Mr Auld’s shattered brother, Peter Daily Telegraph.
Mr. Auld’s name was actually Jason, but “everyone called him Jim,” his brother said.
The father of four was a respected businessman and real estate agent in the Coffs Harbor region who enjoyed being a mentor to young people.
Jim Auld (photo) died on Sunday in a minor plane crash. He was piloting the plane, while his son, who was a passenger, was seriously injured in the crash
The plane crashed shortly after takeoff from McIntyres Airfield on Palmer’s Island at around 11:30 am. The aftermath is depicted
Mr Auld is survived by his wife, three daughters, son Robert and three grandchildren.
“He started to slow down and had more time for his family,” his brother Peter added.
“It’s a difficult time for everyone.”
Mr Auld, who owned two properties in northern NSW, had been a private pilot for more than 20 years and regularly flew his own plane.
“There were cattle on the two properties and that kept him quite busy,” his brother said.
Jim Auld (left) was a much-loved real estate agent and businessman from Coffs Harbor
The agent was also a share and station owner, auctioneer and owner of Coffs Coast Property Sales.
“With over 30 years of experience in the property industry, Jim has worked as a licensee and director of various estate agents since 1990 and was first registered as a property salesperson in the 1970s,” according to his business website.
News of Mr Auld’s death led to an outpouring of tributes.
‘Terrible news. Always a great guy to work with,” one person wrote.
Another said: ‘Jim was a kind, sympathetic person.’
A third wrote: ‘A really nice guy and a very experienced pilot. Warm thoughts and condolences to the Auld family.”
NSW Police have established a crime scene and launched an investigation into the crash.
Images from the crash site showed dozens of emergency workers and bystanders near the wreckage near the dusty runway (photo)
Images from the crash site showed dozens of emergency workers and bystanders near the wreckage near the dusty runway.
A Rural Fire Service crew responded to the scene to provide fire protection, along with the State Emergency Service.
Crash investigators remained on scene Sunday evening with the public to avoid the area.
It is expected to take some time before the cause of the crash is determined.