Young Tasmanian pilot missing, feared dead, after Top End crash
NT Police continue to search for a young pilot’s body and his plane’s wreckage after an aircraft crashed on Tuesday in waters near Isle Woodah, 50 kilometres north-west of Alyangula.
It’s understood the pilot was 24-year-old Bob Bramley, the Tasmanian who made headlines in 2019 when he became the youngest person to circumnavigate Australia solo in a small plane.
It’s understood 24-year-old pilot Bob Bramley has died in a crash off the Gulf of Carpentaria Facebook/Surviving Turbulence
During that journey, aged just 16, he raised awareness about youth suicide and charted his success through the Facebook page Surviving Turbulence, which announced his death on Thursday.
“There are no words, deeds or silver linings that make this any easier, but our beloved Bob is gone,” they wrote in a post.
“For the past year, Bob had been flying for a charter company in the Northern Territory but on Tuesday morning, his plane went down in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
“Bob was a beacon of hope for our family, friends and community. We cannot comprehend this great loss in our lives. We are shocked, we are heartbroken but we remember the ideals that Bob championed.”
Officers have been searching for the wreckage of the Beechcraft Baron in the Gulf of Carpentaria, as police divers assist from the water around Groote Eylandt, but they are yet to recover a body.
Air Frontier, the charter company Bramley was understood to be working for, confirmed their aircraft had been “involved in an accident” and the pilot was “the sole occupant on board” the repositioning flight from Gove to Numbulwar.
Bramley made headlines in 2019 after becoming the youngest person to circumnavigate Australia solo in a small plane. Facebook/Surviving Turbulence
“Recovery efforts for our pilot and the aircraft are continuing, led by CASA, the ATSB and NT Police, with our full support,” they said in a statement.
“As a precaution, we have grounded all Beechcraft Baron aircraft in our fleet pending advice from the relevant authorities.”
After locating some debris in remote waters, helping to narrow down the search area, Acting Sergeant Nathan Conelius, who is coordinating the search mission, said finding Bramley was their priority.
“Our focus remains locating the pilot of the aircraft and alongside our partner agencies, we will continue search efforts,” he said.
Tribute to ‘courageous individual’
The Surviving Turbulence statement also paid tribute to the “dreamer”, whose record-breaking solo flight was featured on Australian Story in 2021.
“Bob was a courageous individual, who inspired those around him with his infectious enthusiasm,” they said.
“He was a dreamer, who never let fear, problems or pessimists stop him from reaching his goals. But most importantly, he was dedicated to helping people get through dark times and dream as big as he did.
Bramley’s been remembered as a “dreamer” who helped others without hesitation. Facebook/Surviving Turbulence
“Bob was a tenacious advocate, who passionately believed in the power of community and connection.
“Bob had dreamed of flying for as long as anyone can remember. He worked relentlessly to fund his training, get his license and build a career in the clouds. He was working to expand operations of the company, gain new qualifications and climb the ranks of the industry. He was building a bright future.
“We celebrate a life lived to the fullest. There will never be another Bob Bramley.
“The family wishes the public to respect their privacy at this time.”
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