Record-breaking young pilot who flew solo around Australia at just 16 feared dead after plane crashes into sea
A record-breaking young pilot who flew solo around Australia as a teenager to raise awareness about youth suicide is feared dead after his plane plunged into remote waters off the Northern Territory.
Bob Bramley was just 16 when he completed the extraordinary 15,000km journey around the country, becoming the youngest person to achieve the feat.
Eight years later, the 24-year-old is believed to have died after the Air Frontier charter plane he was flying crashed near Isle Woodah, about 50km northwest of Alyangula in the Gulf of Carpentaria, on Tuesday.
NT Police will resume the search for Mr Bramley and the aircraft wreckage for a fourth day on Friday.
While his body has not been recovered, authorities believe the young pilot died in the crash.
Originally from Tasmania, Mr Bramley embarked on his record-breaking 40-stop solo flight in 2019 after almost losing two close friends to suicide.
The unassisted journey raised more than $20,000 for Beyond Blue and was later featured on ABC’s Australian Story.
Mr Bramley’s family confirmed the tragic news on his fundraising Facebook page, Surviving Turbulence, on Thursday.
Bob Bramley is feared dead after his charter plane crashed on Tuesday
In 2019, Bob, then 16, became the youngest person to circumnavigate Australia solo in a small plane while raising awareness for youth suicide
‘There are no words, deeds or silver linings that make this any easier, but our beloved Bob is gone,’ the post states.
‘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.’
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched an investigation.
It’s understood Mr Bramley was working for Air Frontier while gaining new qualifications as he climbed the aviation ranks.
‘Recovery efforts for our pilot and the aircraft are continuing, led by CASA, the ATSB and NT Police, with our full support,’ a company statement said.
‘As a precaution, we have grounded all Beechcraft Baron aircraft in our fleet pending advice from the relevant authorities.’
Bob’s 15,000km, 40-stop unassisted journey raised more than $20,000 for Beyond Blue
He has been remembered as a tenacious advocate, who passionately believed in the power of community and connection
Mr Bramley was remembered as a courageous individual who was an inspiration to everyone with his infectious enthusiasm.
‘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,’ his family wrote.
‘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.
‘We celebrate a life lived to the fullest. There will never be another Bob Bramley.’
The Air Frontier twin-engined Beechcraft Baron aircraft went missing after taking off from Gove Airport at Nhulunbuy on the Northern Territory coast.
The plane was due to land at the remote Indigenous community of Numbulwar at 11.50am on Tuesday but never arrived.
A search led by NT Police began after a witness on a vessel reported seeing the plane crash into the sea near Isle Woodah in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The search on Thursday involved police and Aboriginal ranger vessels, a helicopter and a police plane.
Police divers were also deployed to search the sea floor in the vicinity of the crash site.
Aircraft debris was found in the search area.
