Family and friends are mourning the loss of an experienced pilot and real estate agent whose son was seriously injured when their light aircraft crashed after take-off from McIntyres Airfield at Palmers Island.

It is understood Coffs Harbour real estate agent James ‘Jim’ Auld, 67, and his son Robert, aged 32, took off from South Grafton airport, where Mr Auld had a hanger and three planes, with a group of other aircraft earlier on Sunday, December 29.

About 11.20am that day when Mr Auld and his son took off from McIntyres Airfield, NSW Police reported their light plane crashed into a nearby cane paddock shortly after take-off.

Tragically, James Auld was killed in the crash and Robert suffered spinal injuries and was airlifted to the Gold Coast University Hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter where he underwent surgery the following day.

NSW Police issued this statement about the crash on the day of the incident.

“About 11.20am (Sunday 29 December 2024), emergency services responded to reports of a recreational aircraft crash on Palmers Island – about 8km west of Yamba,” police said.

“The pilot of the aircraft died at the scene.

“While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of a man aged in his 60s.

“The other occupant – a man believed to be aged in his 30s – suffered serious injuries and was taken to Gold Coast Hospital for treatment.

“Officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District are currently at the location and have secured a crime scene.

“Members of the public are urged to avoid the area.

“No further information is available at this stage.

“Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are underway.”

Mr Auld was a well-known real estate and stock and station agent from Coffs Harbour who gained his pilots licence in the 1970s through the Coffs Harbour Aero Club.

In a statement, his daughter Jacqui said:

“Our father was dedicated to his family, his wife, children and grandchildren.

“He had endless energy and spirit and friends through all walks of life.

“This is a tragic accident and is felt deeply by all known to him.”

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau ATSB said it was notified of a loss of control and collision with terrain accident involving a recreational light aircraft near Yamba on Sunday, 29 December 2024.

“The ATSB is not investigating the accident as it involved an aircraft on the recreational register,” a spokesperson said.

ATSB Chief Commissioner, Angus Mitchell said in accordance with long-established government policy, the ATSB prioritises its resources on transport safety investigations that have the potential to deliver safety improvements for the greatest public benefit.

“Prioritisation includes giving consideration to the likelihood of safety improvements to aircraft operations involving the travelling public,” he said.

“The ATSB would normally only investigate accidents involving recreational aviation aircraft on an exception basis where resources are available and there is the likelihood of a significant third-party risk being identified.”

A Gold Coast University Hospital spokesperson said Robert Auld remained in hospital in a stable condition following his surgery on December 30.

The pilot of a light aircraft was killed and his son suffered serious injuries when it crashed after take-off from a Palmers Island airfield on December 29. Image: Lynne Mowbray

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 8 January 2025.