Prominent grazier Alan Acton remembered as a ‘true gentleman’ after dying in a helicopter crash

A prominent grazier has died in a helicopter crash while mustering cattle in central Queensland, as investigations continue into Sunday’s light plane crash.

Grazier Alan Acton.

Prominent grazier Alan Acton has been remembered as a “dear friend” and “true gentleman” following his death in a helicopter crash while mustering cattle in central Queensland on Tuesday.

Police confirmed a 65-year-old man died in the crash on private property at Bingegang about 220km northwest of Rockhampton.

It’s understood the helicopter struck power lines before crashing and bursting into flames.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said an investigation was underway into the crash of a four-seat Robinson R44 helicopter at the cattle station.

As word spread of Mr Acton’s death, tributes flowed with Agriculture Minister Mark Furner and Capricornia MP Michelle Landry among those to praise his contribution to the agriculture industry.

Ms Landry said Mr Acton was a dear friend, whose knowledge of all things grazing was astounding.

“Beef was not Alan’s only passion. His love of horse racing was also something he immensely enjoyed. Alongside his brother, Graeme, and father, Tom, they established the Middlemount races,” said Mr Landry.

“I was lucky to call Alan a dear friend of mine for many years. He supported me with great kindness and words of wisdom when I needed it. He was truly a gentleman.”

Mr Furner said he was devastated to hear of Mr Acton’s death.

“I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the Acton family. His is a great loss to the pastoral community of central Queensland,” said Mr Furner.

In a tragic twist, Mr Acton’s nephew Brent died in similar circumstances six years ago, while mustering cattle in Cloncurry.

Chief Commissioner Mitchell also provided an update on Sunday’s light plane crash near Proserpine that killed Rhiley Kuhrt and his pregnant wife Maree.

It’s believed the Kuhrts were travelling to a medical appointment in Proserpine when they struck bad weather. The couple was reported overdue late Sunday and a search on Monday found the plane wreckage in the Mount Hector Range, west of Proserpine.

Mr Mitchell said transport safety investigators were collecting information about the pilot’s flying experience and qualifications, the weather at the time of the crash, flight planning information and aircraft maintenance records.

The ATSB would not comment on speculation Mr Kuhrt was not licensed to operate his Piper Cherokee aircraft without a flying instructor.

The Darling Downs Aero Club where Mr Kuhrt had trained for his recreational pilot’s licence, confirmed he had not obtained the licence while he was there.

Club president Allan Bougoure said Mr Kuhrt completed 30.4-hours of training, including 25.4-hours with an instructor and five solo, under the supervision of an instructor.

“He did not complete an RPL flight test during his time as a student at the Darling Downs Aero Club,” Mr Bougoure said.

“As president and CEO of the club, I would like to extend our condolences to all of Rhiley’s and Maree’s family and friends in this time of great sorrow and tragedy with three lives cut incredibly short, and ask all pilots to ensure they are current in all aspects of their flying, licensing and training before embarking on their adventures. We want you all to return and share your adventures with us.”

Mr Bougoure said if there was “anything to be learned from the tragic crash, it was don’t fly into weather”.

Originally published as Prominent grazier Alan Acton remembered as a ‘true gentleman’ after dying in a helicopter crash