A small aircraft carrying three occupants vanished without a trace over Bass Strait on August 2, 2025, prompting an extensive multi-agency search operation that has drawn comparisons to the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.
Gregory Vaughan, 72, and his partner Kim Worner, 66, departed George Town Airport in northern Tasmania at approximately 12:45 p.m. aboard a distinctive green two-seater Bristell S-LSA aircraft. Their dog Molly was also on board. The couple, both residents of Deloraine, were traveling to Hillston Airport in central western New South Wales via a planned fuel stop in Leongatha, Victoria.
Family members raised the alarm around 5 p.m. on Saturday when the aircraft failed to arrive at its destination. No distress signal, radio communication, or tracking data was received after takeoff, according to authorities. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority confirmed the pilot made no contact with air authorities during the flight.
Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark indicated that Vaughan was a very experienced pilot and well-known figure in the local flying club. However, Clark noted the aircraft was relatively new to Vaughan, having been purchased only three to four months prior to the incident. “We believe he has had several flights prior to this incident,” Clark stated.
The search operation has involved multiple agencies, including Tasmania Police, Victoria Police, and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Resources deployed include helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, marine vessels, and temporarily the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. Search efforts have focused on Tasmania’s northern coastline, particularly between George Town and Turners Beach, as well as Bass Strait and southern Victoria.
Challenging weather conditions hampered search efforts early in the operation. Tasmania Police Northern Commander Marco Ghedini indicated that rough conditions prevented boats from beginning their search on Tuesday, August 5. By the fourth day of searching, police held grave concerns for the missing couple while maintaining hope as operations continued.
George Town flight instructor Eugene Reid raised concerns about communication protocols, explaining that pilots are expected to follow scheduled reporting procedures when leaving the coast. Reid noted that George Town Airport does not necessarily maintain records of individual flight plans, meaning aircraft can depart without officials’ knowledge.
The aircraft was reportedly equipped with an emergency satellite beacon designed to activate during distress situations, but no signal was detected. Reid explained that such beacons must be manually activated and do not trigger automatically. Current regulations require private pilots to carry registered distress beacons when flying more than 50 nautical miles from land, with Bass Strait measuring approximately 220 nautical miles at its narrowest point.
Aviation safety rules for private pilots vary depending on airspace requirements. David McCarthy, president of Wynyard Aero Club, explained that visual flight rules allow most private pilots to operate without filing formal flight plans or maintaining constant contact with air traffic controllers. However, pilots should notify responsible persons of their travel plans and expected return times.
The disappearance has reignited discussion about the Bass Strait Triangle, a region stretching approximately 186 miles between Tasmania and mainland Australia. The area has historically been associated with sudden weather changes, disorienting crosswinds, and poor radar coverage. Previous incidents include Frederick Valentich’s 1978 disappearance after reporting UFO sightings near King Island, and Brenda Hean’s 1972 loss during a protest flight to Canberra.
Friends of the couple described Vaughan as a retired engineer and experienced hobby pilot closely involved with the George Town Aeroclub. Worner, a retired nurse, was known for her community work and shared Vaughan’s love of adventure. The pair were characterized as inseparable and frequently traveled with their beloved dog.
Authorities have requested public assistance in the search effort. Tasmania Police urged residents and travelers across northern Tasmania and southern Victoria to remain alert for aircraft debris, life vests, broken plastic, or fabric that might help investigators determine the aircraft’s trajectory. Even seemingly unrelated items could provide crucial evidence in narrowing the search area.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has deferred inquiries to police while the search continues. If wreckage is located, an official investigation into weather conditions, aircraft condition, and pilot decision-making will follow under ATSB guidance. According to ATSB data, 20 fatal aviation accidents caused 27 deaths in 2024.
