Tributes flow for John Mercer killed in ultralight plane crash in Bowenville

A well-known Oakey man has been remembered as a larrikin who supported his community and loved life, after he was killed in a plane crash in Bowenville. Details here.

A community is in mourning after a beloved family man died when his plane crashed into a paddock Sunday afternoon.

Long-time Oakey resident John Mercer, 65, has been remembered by friends and family as a “top bloke” who loved life.

“He was a bit of a larrikin and all around good bloke who loved life,” long-time friend Ian Hedge said.

“He put a fair bit into his life, and loved his gliding, motorcycles, ultralights and planes.”

Mr Mercer’s Drifter ultra light aircraft hit power lines while he was flying over Bowenville with a nearby pilot.

The plane crashed into a paddock off Malu Road at 2.18pm.

Oakey man John Mercer was killed when the plane he was piloting hit power lines and crashed into a paddock in Bowenville. He leaves behind his wife Jenny, a daughter and grandchild. Picture: Facebook

Emergency services were unable to reach him for more than two hours with active power lines sprawled across the ground near the aircraft before the power was isolated shortly before 4.30pm

Mr Mercer’s plane flipped upside down upon collision.

He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Oakey man John Mercer was killed when the plane he was piloting hit power lines and crashed into a paddock in Bowenville. He leaves behind his wife Jenny, two daughters and grandchildren. Monday, June 27, 2022. Picture: Facebook

“I saw the news, so I rang his number and it went to message bank,” Mr Hedge said.

“I ran into a bloke this morning who confirmed it.

“I was only having a beer with him last week.”

Godfather to Mercer’s daughter Chloe, Mr Hedge remembers travelling around Europe with his mate, and even hiring a plane for a quick trip to the coast.

“They used to call four of us the Flyer Boys,” he said.

“We’d fly out to Charleville for bowls … we’d fly over the club and tip the wings.”

Mr Mercer was a second-generation member of the Darling Downs Soaring Club at Bowenville, where his father Keith first became involved, and Chloe after him.

Pictures of light aircraft are showcased on Mr Mercer’s Facebook page, including his ultralight aircraft Drifter, which he previously used to photograph the flood-impacted district earlier this year.

Oakey man John Mercer was killed when the plane he was piloting hit power lines and crashed into a paddock in Bowenville. Monday, June 27, 2022. Picture: 7 News Toowoomba

Mr Mercer had a Bowenville property with a private airstrip that Mr Hedge said would house his aircraft.

Mr Mercer was working within the township as an electrician – a business he had held for many years.

“He was a good supporter for most things in town … he really enjoyed supporting the Oakey Bears cricket team,” Mr Hedge said.

“He was in the Oakey Fire Brigade for many years and was in the stage of winding down.”

Oakey man John Mercer was killed when the plane he was piloting hit power lines and crashed into a paddock in Bowenville. He was an avid flyer and was part of the Darling Downs Soaring Club. Picture: Facebook

Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) has confirmed investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing in collaboration with the Forensic Crash Unit.

“A trained staff member has been deployed to perform a safety analysis of the accident site and to inspect the aircraft, in support of the Queensland Police as they conduct their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident in order for them to provide a brief to the Queensland Coroner,” CEO Matt Bouttell said.

“RAAus sends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased pilot.

“There is a close and well-connected aviation community in the region that, no doubt, will be feeling the effects of this tragedy for some time.”

John Mercer leaves behind a wife, two daughters and grandchildren.