A small aircraft carrying three occupants vanished without a trace over Bass Strait on August 2, 2025, sparking an extensive multi-agency search operation that has drawn comparisons to aviation mysteries like Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.
Gregory Vaughan, 72, and his partner Kim Worner, 66, of Deloraine departed George Town Airport in northern Tasmania at approximately 12:45 pm in a distinctive green two-seater Bristell S-LSA aircraft. Their dog Molly was also aboard the light sport aircraft.
The couple was traveling to Hillston Airport in central western New South Wales, with a planned fuel stop in Leongatha, Victoria. However, the aircraft never reached its first destination. Family members raised the alarm around 5 pm on Saturday when the plane failed to arrive as scheduled.
Tasmania Police Commander Marco Ghedini confirmed no distress call was made from the aircraft before it disappeared. Inspector Nick Clark stated that “the two people on the plane have not been in contact with anyone, or aviation authorities, since they left George Town.”
The disappearance has raised questions about aviation safety protocols for private pilots. George Town flight instructor Eugene Reid indicated that pilots must perform scheduled reporting when flying across Bass Strait, noting they should contact air services when leaving the coast. However, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority confirmed the pilot made no contact with authorities, though officials are investigating whether the plane disappeared before such contact was required.
Vaughan, described as a very experienced pilot and active member of the George Town Aeroclub, had only recently purchased the Bristell S-LSA aircraft three to four months prior to the incident. Police confirmed he had completed several flights in the aircraft before the disappearance.
The search operation has involved multiple agencies including the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Tasmania Police, Victoria Police, and regional airline Par Avion. Search efforts have focused on northern Tasmania’s coastline between George Town and Turners Beach, as well as Bass Strait waters and southern Victoria near Leongatha.
Challenging weather conditions have hampered search efforts throughout the operation. Low clouds and rough seas have periodically grounded water-based operations and limited helicopter patrols. Search aircraft including AMSA’s Challenger jet, Tasmania Police helicopter, and multiple fixed-wing planes have been deployed in the effort.
The incident has occurred in Bass Strait, a region spanning approximately 186 miles between Tasmania and mainland Australia known for unpredictable weather patterns and poor radar coverage. The area has earned comparisons to the Bermuda Triangle due to several historical disappearances, including Frederick Valentich in 1978 and Brenda Hean in 1972.
Aviation safety protocols require private pilots flying more than 50 nautical miles from land to carry registered distress beacons. The missing aircraft should have been equipped with an emergency satellite beacon, but no signal was detected. Civil Aviation Safety Authority rules also mandate that pilots flying long distances over water leave flight notes with responsible persons or notify authorities through flight plans.
David Brewster, president of the George Town Airport Association, revealed that Vaughan had been planning the journey and texted a friend before departure. However, when no departure radio call was heard, Brewster and the friend contacted Airservices Australia around 1:15 pm and prepared their own aircraft to search for Vaughan’s plane.
The search has utilized significant resources including helicopters, boats, and the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, which was temporarily diverted to assist in the operation. Tasmania Police indicated they would continue reassessing search efforts daily while maintaining hope for a positive outcome.
Authorities have urged members of the public across northern Tasmania, Bass Strait, and southern Victoria to remain vigilant for any signs of the aircraft or its occupants. Officials specifically requested reports of debris, life jackets, or any aircraft parts that might indicate the plane’s location or trajectory.
The couple was described by friends as inseparable, often traveling with their beloved dog Molly. Vaughan worked as a retired engineer while Worner was a retired nurse known for her community involvement. Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff expressed concern for the missing couple, stating his thoughts were with them and their families.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has deferred inquiries to police while the search operation continues. If wreckage is located, an official investigation into weather conditions, aircraft condition, and pilot decision-making will follow under ATSB guidance.
Anyone with information about the missing aircraft has been urged to contact the AMSA Response Centre at 02 6279 5700 or Tasmania Police at 131 444.
