A Sheffield woman killed in a plane crash in the state’s North-East had been flying for the past decade.
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Sandra Southwell was on her way to a friend’s farm near Tomahawk on Saturday afternoon when her Cessna 182 clipped a tree and crashed on the property – in front of the farmers.
The 63-year-old died on her way to hospital.
Her partner Barry Bransden, 68, was also in the plane and remained in a stable condition in the Launceston General Hospital on Monday morning, having suffered “minor injuries” in the crash.
Tributes began to pour in for Ms Southwell after news of her tragic death spread across the region.
The “passionate pilot” was the state president of the Australian Women’s Pilot Association, treasurer for the Devonport Aero Club and former part owner of Tasmanian Horse Transport at Sheffield.
Family friend Annika Nowell described Ms Southwell as her “second mum” and “like a best friend”.
“She was an incredible woman, she was so warm and welcoming to everyone,” she said.
“She was a brave, sophisticated and impressive person. I always wanted to make her proud.”
Ms Nowell said the Sheffield couple were hard workers and had “set up a beautiful life for themselves”.
“They were known all over Australia because of their business and she was an icon in the equestrian scene,” she said.
Devonport Aero Club president Terry Travers said it was a “shock” to hear about the crash.
“Having Sandra involved in the crash is extremely hard to believe because of the nature of pilot she was,” he said.
“She was someone who flew very regularly and flew all over Australia.”
Ms Southwell learned to fly about 10 years ago and Mr Bransden got his pilot license a short time after.
Mr Travers said the day after they got their licence they headed off on a trip around Australia.
“They used their plane to have adventures all over the country.”
Mr Travers described the couple as “genuine aviators” who were very generous with their time and who warmly welcomed people into their home.
They worked together at Tasmanian Horse Transport before selling the business to focus on their passion of flying and hosting people through AirBnb at their Sheffield home.
The couple put in many hours of work for the Devonport Aero Club.
“They were partners in business and partners in life. Working together and aviating together,” Mr Travers said.
Investigators from Australian Transport Safety Bureau were at the scene of the crash on Sunday and were expected to examine the wreckage and interview witnesses.
- Anyone with information about the crash has been asked to contact ATSB on 1800 020 616.
Sarah Lansdown
Sarah covers all stages of education in the capital, from early childhood to higher education. Previously she was a general news reporter at The Advocate in North West Tasmania. She was named Best New Journalist at the 2019 Tasmanian Media Awards for a series on paramedic shortages. Email: sarah.lansdown@canberratimes.com.au
Sarah covers all stages of education in the capital, from early childhood to higher education. Previously she was a general news reporter at The Advocate in North West Tasmania. She was named Best New Journalist at the 2019 Tasmanian Media Awards for a series on paramedic shortages. Email: sarah.lansdown@canberratimes.com.au
Melissa Mobbs
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
A journalist with more than a decade of experience, Melissa Mobbs currently works as the Deputy Editor for The Examiner Newspaper in Launceston, and has a strong background in reporting on crime and the justice system. Send tips to Melissa.Mobbs@examiner.com.au or on Twitter via @melissamobbs.
