What began as a routine flight has turned into a situation filled with uncertainty and concern.

A small aircraft carrying two people and their dog has disappeared without a trace, prompting a wide-scale search.

As authorities scramble for answers, loved ones and the broader community are left waiting, hoping for the best.


When the plane failed to appear as expected, worried family members quickly raised the alarm on Saturday evening, sparking a large-scale search effort.

Tasmania Police, with the blessing of the family, have since released the couple’s names in hopes of gathering more information from the public: Gregory Vaughan and Kim Worner.


Inspector Nick Clark of Tasmania Police expressed growing concern as the hours tick by: ‘The longer Gregory and Kim are missing, the greater the concerns are for their welfare.’

He urged anyone who may have seen the plane or noticed anything unusual, such as debris on land or in the water, to contact authorities immediately at 131 444.

The missing aircraft is a two-seater Bristell S-LSA, easily recognisable by its light green colour.


About three to four months ago, Gregory Vaughan had only recently purchased the plane.

While he is described as a ‘very experienced’ pilot, police noted that he was still relatively new to this particular model.

Aviation experts have weighed in on the situation. George Town-based flight instructor Eugene Reid explained that pilots crossing the Bass Strait are required to make contact with air authorities upon leaving the coast.

However, Inspector Clark confirmed that no such contact was made after the couple took off from George Town, adding another layer of mystery to their disappearance.

Search and rescue teams have been working tirelessly, with a Tasmania Police helicopter conducting sweeps along the state’s northern coastline between George Town and Turners Beach.

Unfortunately, poor weather and low cloud cover have hampered efforts, and rough seas have prevented the deployment of search boats.

Despite these challenges, Inspector Clark assured the public that ‘significant resources have been utilised in the search and Pol Air will continue to be used over the next two days, at which time the search efforts will be re-assessed based on any possible new information that becomes available.’

This incident is a sobering reminder of the risks involved in private aviation, especially when traversing challenging stretches like the Bass Strait.

While modern aircraft are equipped with advanced navigation and safety features, unpredictable weather and the vastness of the Australian landscape can make search and rescue operations incredibly difficult.

For many in our community, stories like this hit close to home. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller, a recreational pilot, or simply someone who enjoys exploring our beautiful country, the safety of loved ones is always top of mind.

It’s also a timely reminder to ensure that all safety protocols are followed and that flight plans are communicated clearly with authorities, especially when flying over remote or hazardous areas.

Our thoughts are with Gregory, Kim, Molly, and their family during this distressing time. We hope for a positive outcome and commend the tireless efforts of the search and rescue teams braving tough conditions to bring answers to those waiting.
Have you or someone you know ever experienced a similar situation, or do you have any advice for those considering private flights across Australia? We’d love to hear your thoughts, stories, or words of support for the family in the comments below.

Read more: Bizarre airport shutdown: Who—or what—was on the runway?