Community mourns the loss of rural resident killed in crash

Tributes have begun to flow for John Gotts, the rural area man killed in a plane crash yesterday

The scene where John Gotts’ plane crashed into bush off Jenkins Rd. Picture Glenn Campbell

TRIBUTES have begun to flow for John Gotts, the rural man sadly killed in a plane crash yesterday.

Mr Gotts was the only person in the light aircraft when it crashed about 1.5km east of Emkaytee Airfield – where it had taken off.

Darwin Airport air traffic control first notified NT Police and emergency services of a missing aircraft at 9.55am.

Mr Gotts was a member of the Top End Flying Club and it’s understood he took off in his family’s plane from the Emkaytee Airfield yesterday.

Top End Flying Club treasurer Greg Moo, on behalf of club members, shared his shock at the sudden loss.

“The Top End Flying Club offers its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of John Gotts following his tragic death in a flying accident,” Mr Moo said.

“John was a valued member and supporter of the club for many years and we will sadly miss his enthusiasm for flying and his happy and gentle presence at the club. May he rest in peace.”

Frederic Meyering, who’s family owns Emkaytee Airfield, where the TEFC is based, also shared in the loss of Mr Gotts.

“On the airfield he was a great bloke to have around he was always up-beat and it didn’t matter if he was just going up to the shops he would always have an adventure,” he said.

“There was never a boring trip with John he was one of those fellas that was very much alive.”

Mr Meyering said he would be sorely missed.

“When someone like that goes, that’s full of life it leaves a bloody big hole,” he said.

Mr Gotts’ local church community St Fred’s Anglican Church, took to Facebook to share in their grief in the loss for their “dear brother”.

“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the tragic death of our dear brother, John Gotts, this morning,” the church states.

“John’s plane crashed in the rural area near MKT airstrip just before 10.00am this morning.

“Details are not known and the accident is subject to an investigation.

“Please uphold the family in prayer as they deal with their grief.

“Peace be with you,

“Phil.”

Mr Gotts was killed when the plane he was flying crashed into bushland yesterday.

The church also shared a prayer for Mr Gotts and his family from the Bible from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.”

“For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

IN OTHER NEWS

Friends of Mr Gotts commented on the church community’s post sharing in their sadness of the 64-year-old man.

“Sad sad news, sending prayers to all in St Fred’s and who had the privilege to know John, such a genuine human being,” Jan Hemphill posted.

“Such sad news. Prayers for all who loved him,” Anne Van Gend wrote.