Light plane crashes in NSW near Yamba, two on board
A 67-year-old father has been confirmed dead after a light plane took off from a private airstrip and crashed.
NSW
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The pilot killed in a light plane crash off the NSW North Coast has been identified as a well-known businessman, whose son was also seriously injured in the same crash.
Just after 11.30am on Sunday a light aircraft was taking off from Palmer’s Island near Yamba when it crashed with two people on board.
The plane had taken off from McIntyres Airfield, a private airstrip.
Jim Auld, 67 was piloting the plane with his son Robert, 32, a passenger when it took off from McIntyres Airfield near Yamba at 11.30am this morning when the accident happened.
Mr Auld died at the scene while his son suffered serious injuries and is currently in the Gold Coast hospital.
“We are all hoping Robert pulls through,” said Peter Auld, the brother of Jim Auld.
“He was named Jason, but everyone called him Jim. He was a very well known and respected businessman and real estate agent who was teaching young people in the area. He had started to take things a little easier and have more time with family,” he said.
Mr Auld said his brother owned two properties in the northern part of NSW including in Grafton and did a lot of flying on his own plane.
“The two properties had cattle on them and that kept him pretty busy. he has a wife, three daughters and grandkids so it is a hard time for everyone,” he said.
According to his website, Mr Auld is a licensed real estate, stock and Station, Business agent and Auctioneer. He is the owner of Coffs Harbour Property Sales.
“With over 30 years experience in the Real Estate industry, Jim has worked as licensee and principal of several agencies since 1990, and was first registered as a real estate salesman in the 1970s,” his website says.
Crash investigators were still on the scene and it will take some time before the cause of the accident is known.
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Originally published as Light plane crashes in NSW near Yamba, two on board
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