QantasLink rocked by ’sudden, unexpected’ death of young pilot Harry Allchin

The sister of a young Qld pilot has paid tribute to her “super human” brother after his death sent shockwaves through the Gold Coast.

30-year-old QantasLink pilot Harry Allchin died suddenly this week. Photo: Supplied.

Tributes are flowing for a young QantasLink pilot who died suddenly this week.

Harry Allchin, 30, who was from the Gold Coast but was based in Sydney, had been a first officer with the major regional airline since 2018.

His “sudden and unexpected” death has rocked colleagues, with at least one QantasLink flight cancelled in the wake of the tragedy, according to airline sources.

Mr Allchin’s sister, Brittany, posted a heartfelt Facebook tribute to her “super human” brother.

“My little bro, how do we go on without you! The pain in our hearts is unbearable,” she wrote.

“Our best mate, who we were completely and utterly blessed with in this life to be chosen as our brother. The awesome foursome will never be the same, our lives have changed forever. You should be here with us, walking alongside us - making us laugh like you always would you funny bastard!

30-year-old QantasLink pilot Harry Allchin died suddenly this week. Photo: Supplied.

“It feels so surreal and strange to be writing this but I just have so much I want to say and I want everyone to know how much of a super human you were Hazza. The most pure salt of the earth person, vibrating on the highest of frequencies.

“You did more in your 30 years than anyone would in a whole lifetime! You are the epitome of living life to the f***ing fullest!

“I’ve never known love and hurt so deep until now. You might be my little bro, but the mark you’ve left on us all is anything but little, it’s immeasurable. This can’t be real. Wake us up from this nightmare. Fly high Hazza Bro, until I get to hang with you again. will love you always and forever”.

A GoFundMe campaign launched for Mr Allchin’s family has already raised almost all its $45,000 target.

Harry Allchin’s sudden death has rocked the Gold Coast community. Photo: Supplied.

Mr Allchin, attended St Stephens College on the Gold Coast before going to university in Melbourne, was described as “a dear friend, brother and son” and “a light in many people’s lives”.

“With his trademark mullet and silver glasses, Harry was known for his love for travel ,his mates, family and his job,” the fundraiser said.

“The gravity of the loss of our mate will be felt throughout the community and beyond. The loss of Harry was very sudden and unexpected and his family are now trying to navigate through this process while dealing with their grief.

“We are hoping to raise funds so we can give Harry the appropriate send-off he deserves. All money raised will be given directly to the Allchin family to aid them in this process.”

One commercial pilot told The Courier-Mail it was concerning that mental health was not part of the annual medical assessment for pilots.

“There’s heaps of stuff on just about everything, but nothing on mental health,” they said.

“Fatigue and pilots being overworked with zero work/life balance has been the norm for many years. Mental health and flight and duty limitations in this country are a joke.”

Originally published as QantasLink rocked by ’sudden, unexpected’ death of young pilot Harry Allchin