A pilot believed to have died when their aircraft crashed into remote waters off the Northern Territory coast earlier this week has been identified as Tasmanian man Bob Bramley.
Police launched an investigation on Tuesday afternoon after a small charter plane operated by Air Frontier reportedly crashed in Angurugu waters, off the coast of Groote Eylandt in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Police said around 11:40am on Tuesday, a witness onboard a boat in the area reported the “aircraft had crashed into the water near Isle Woodah”.
NT Police Assistant Commissioner Peter Malley said authorities believed the pilot died in the crash but they had yet to locate a body.
Small aircraft crash reported in NT
Charter company Air Frontier later released a statement confirming its Beechcraft Baron aircraft “was involved in an accident near Numbulwar” around midday.
According to Air Frontier, the aircraft was undertaking a “non-commercial repositioning flight” from Gove to Numbulwar with the pilot believed to be the sole occupant on board.
Mr Bramley circumnavigated Australia in a small plane as a 16-year-old in 2019 to raise awareness about youth suicide.
He also founded the youth mental health and suicide prevention initiative Surviving Turbulence.
In a statement, his family said they could not “comprehend this great loss in our lives”.
As a teenager, Tasmanian pilot Bob Bramley circumnavigated Australia by himself. (ABC News: Manika Dadson)
“There are no words, deeds or silver linings that make this any easier, but our beloved Bob is gone,” the statement said.
“Bob was a courageous individual, who inspired those around him with his infectious enthusiasm.
“He was a dreamer, who never let fear, problems or pessimists stop him from reaching his goals.”
Debris located on Wednesday
The search mission coordinator, Acting Sergeant Nathan Conelius, said crews had managed to locate “aircraft debris” in the search area on Wednesday.
“That’s helped refine our search planning so we’re more hopeful today of finding something else,” he said.
Acting sergeant Cornelius said the remote search location, which is roughly 50 kilometres north-west of Alyangula, has made the operation particularly challenging.
“There’s no accurate weather data out there which is adding a lot of complexity to the search,” he said.
“We’re finding that sea and the weather conditions in the search area are much worse than what we’re seeing online so we’re relying on the limited communication we have.”
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He said the location has also prevented additional crew members from being able to access the site.
“Because it’s so remote we’re not able to get any more people in there,” he said.
“We just don’t have the assets available.”
Police resources have been assisted by Anindilyakwa sea rangers and helicopter support from Nautilus Aviation with search and rescue crews also on the ground in Alyangula.
Acting Sergeant Cornelius said police divers would conduct searches of the sea floor throughout Thursday.
Anindilyakwa sea rangers are assisting with the search effort. (ABC News: Hamish Harty)
‘Incredibly difficult’ time for pilot’s family
Acting Sergeant Cornelius said police have been in contact with Mr Bramley’s family.
In a statement earlier this week, Air Frontier said they were “deeply saddened” by news of the incident.
“Our thoughts are with our pilot and their family at this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said.
“The family has been contacted, and we are supporting them as this situation unfolds.
“As is standard process, the cause of the accident will be a matter for the investigating authorities, and it would be inappropriate to speculate at this time.”
Air Frontier said all of its Beechcraft Baron aircraft had been grounded “as a precautionary measure”, pending advice from relevant authorities.