The 62-year-old Launceston solicitor remains in a serious condition after surviving a plane crash near Launceston Airport last Sunday afternoon.

The former Skyrace chairman took off in the single seater Monnett Moni plane that he had built himself but appeared to lose control soon after take-off and crashed into a paddock near the airport.

His family spoke for the first time yesterday of the ordeal.

Fellow aviators who rushed to the crash site after seeing their friend spiral out of control were surprised to find him alive when they saw the damage.

Mr Targett's wife, Diana, said yesterday that his family wanted to thank all the people who had "sent their thoughts and prayers for Hugh".

"While his injuries are serious, we are grateful that he has suffered no significant head or spinal injuries and that at this early stage, the small signs have been positive," Mrs Targett said.

She believes that her husband will probably remain in a medically induced coma for at least two weeks to help with surgery and healing.

Mr Targett had extensive broken bones and lacerations.

Mrs Targett and children Claire, Olivia, Nicholas and Skye wanted to thank the medical staff for their efforts which they said had been wonderful.