Tributes for Katherine Aviation line pilot Rhys Annis-Brown following Christmas Eve crash

A young pilot who died ‘doing what he loved’ flying through the Territory skies has been mourned following a Christmas Eve aviation disaster.

Katherine Aviation line pilot Rhys Annis-Brown, 23, was killed when his light plane Cessna 210N went missing on Christmas Eve, 2022. The plane was found in dense bushland near Bulman 240km, north east of Katherine.

A young pilot who found his calling flying through the Territory skies has been remembered as a genuine and friendly soul.

Katherine Aviation line pilot Rhys Annis-Brown was just 23 when his light plane went missing on Christmas Eve.

The Central Queenslander from Boyne Island was solo-piloting when his Cessna 210N took off from Gove Airport at 8.15am with a 43-year-old female passenger on-board.

But the alarm was raised when the hour-long flight failed to arrive at Katherine’s Tindal Airport.

It took two days for investigators to arrive at the light plane wreckage in dense bushland near Bulman, 240km north east of Katherine.

Katherine Aviation line pilot Rhys Annis-Brown, 23, was killed when his light plane Cessna 210N went missing on Christmas Eve, 2022. The plane was found in dense bushland near Bulman 240km, north east of Katherine.

The aviation safety watchdog, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau said the Cessna 210N was “destroyed” in the Christmas Eve crash.

At the time of the crash, the Territory was experiencing rough wet season conditions, with ex-Cyclone Ellie bringing heavy rains to particularly to Wadeye, Peppimenarti and Timber Creek, west of Katherine.

Touching tributes have emerged on social media for the young Queensland pilot.

Chloe McDowell Liggins wrote Mr Annis-Brown was living a life of adventure and “doing what he loved” when he was killed.

“Taken way too soon, what a life you lead,” Ms McDowell Liggins said.

“You never, never walked past without smiling or saying hello, you never blew off a conversation and you always got along with everyone.

“You were one of the nicest, most genuine guys I knew.

Katherine Aviation line pilot Rhys Annis-Brown, 23, was killed when his light plane Cessna 210N crashed near Bulman, NT, on Christmas Eve, 2022.

“Your absence is an absolute tragedy and will always be felt, especially by your friends and family.

“I’m sure the pain is immeasurable, glad you were doing what you love. Rest in peace”

Other friends turned to Mr Annis-Brown’s Instagram to celebrate and mourn the young pilot’s life.

“Miss you so much bro. Fly high, rest easy,” Nathan Ford wrote.

Mr Annis-Brown started with Katherine Aviation less than five months before the fatal crash.

The young pilot graduated from the Toowoomba-based Qantas pilot Academy, Flight Training Adelaide Queensland in June 2022, according to his LinkedIn.

Mr Annis-Brown then joined the rural charter plane company in August, and completed line training in September.

“This week we welcome and congratulate two of our newest line pilots,” Katherine Aviation posted on September 23.

“(Rhys) comes to the team with great personalities and attitudes, we’re excited to follow their flying careers.

“Welcome to the KA family.”

A Katherine Aviation spokeswoman said the company could not comment on Mr Annis-Brown’s death at this time.

A funeral date for the young pilot has been set for Monday January 16, at Boyne Tannum Memorial Parklands Crematorium Chapel, on Boyne Island near Gladstone.

“Much loved Son of Chris and Therese. Dearly loved Brother of Jordan and Mikaele,” the funeral notice said.

“Loving Nephew and Cousin to the extended family and a good friend to many.”

This publication has chosen not to name the passenger according to the wishes of the woman’s family.

Originally published as Tributes for Katherine Aviation line pilot Rhys Annis-Brown following Christmas Eve crash