A small aircraft carrying three people has been missing for seven days after taking off from George Town Airport, triggering a multi-agency search operation and a wave of speculation. The aircraft vanished without a trace over the Bass Strait on August 2, with no distress signal or radio communication recorded. As authorities intensify their search, the incident has drawn eerie comparisons to the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, with the aircraft’s last known location falling within the so-called “Bass Strait Triangle”—a region infamous for mysterious vanishings and treacherous flying conditions.
About the occupants
The missing aircraft, a distinctive green Bristell S-LSA light sport plane, was piloted by 72-year-old retired engineer Gregory Vaughan, with his partner Kim Worner, 66, and their pet dog Molly on board. The couple, residents of Deloraine, Tasmania, were known for their love of adventure and close ties to the community.
Vaughan, an experienced hobby pilot and active member of the George Town Aeroclub, had acquired the aircraft only a few months ago. Worner, a retired nurse, was widely admired for her community service. Friends described them as “inseparable,” often travelling with their beloved dog.
The pair departed George Town Airport around 12:45 pm on Saturday, August 2, en route to Hillston Airport in central New South Wales, with a scheduled stop in Victoria. However, the aircraft never reached its destination.
What happened: No distress signal, no trace
Despite clear flight plans, the aircraft vanished shortly after take-off. According to Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark, “The two people on the plane have not been in contact with anyone, or aviation authorities, since they left George Town.” No distress signal, radio communication, or tracking data has been received since.
Family members became concerned and reported the missing flight by 5 pm that same day. Search operations were launched almost immediately, but so far, no signs of the aircraft or its occupants have been discovered.
The search mission: Air and sea rescue enters seventh day
Search crews from Tasmania Police, AMSA, and Victoria Police have concentrated efforts along Tasmania’s northern coast between George Town and Turners Beach. Aircraft from PolAir have conducted aerial sweeps, while sea-based operations have faced setbacks due to poor weather and low cloud cover.
“Significant resources have been utilised in the search, and PolAir will continue to be used over the next two days,” Inspector Clark confirmed. “The longer Gregory and Kim are missing, the greater the concerns are for their welfare.”
Residents along the northern Tasmanian and southern Victorian coasts have been asked to stay alert for any debris or signs of the missing aircraft. Even small objects like broken plastic, life vests, or fabric could aid investigators. “If anyone has information that could assist the search, has seen a plane matching this description, or noticed anything such as unusual debris on land or in the water, they should contact Tasmania Police on 131 444,” Clark urged.
Why Bass Strait is called Australia’s ‘Bermuda Triangle’
The incident has reignited interest in the mysterious reputation of the Bass Strait, a 300-kilometre-wide body of water between Tasmania and mainland Australia. The region is notorious for sudden weather shifts, intense winds, and poor radar coverage—conditions that have reportedly contributed to numerous disappearances over the decades.
Locals often refer to the region as the “Bass Strait Triangle,” echoing comparisons to the Bermuda Triangle. Among the most cited historical incidents:
Frederick Valentich (1978): The pilot vanished mid-flight after reporting a UFO sighting near King Island.
Brenda Hean (1972): A protest flight en route to Canberra ended in her mysterious disappearance.
MV Blythe Star (1973): A freighter that went missing for 12 days, despite remaining within range of search crews.
While the legends continue to thrive, experts stress that most disappearances in the area are attributed to human error, mechanical failure, or environmental hazards, rather than supernatural forces.
Parallels to MH370: A chilling comparison
The Tasmania disappearance has prompted comparisons to Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, one of aviation’s greatest unsolved mysteries. Both incidents share several disturbing similarities:
No distress signal was sent before vanishing.
The aircraft disappeared over a large, challenging body of water.
Early search efforts yielded no trace of wreckage.
Though vastly different in scale, the lack of clues and suddenness of the event have led to conspiracy theories and public anxiety, echoing the confusion and heartbreak that surrounded the MH370 tragedy.
About the aircraft
The missing Bristell S-LSA is a two-seater light sport aircraft manufactured by BRM Aero, a Czech company known for producing recreational planes for private pilots and flying clubs worldwide. Over 800 Bristell models have been delivered globally, with around 100 operating in the United States, according to FLYING Magazine.
The aircraft is powered by a Rotax engine—either the 912 ULS or the more powerful 915iS turbocharged variant—offering up to 141 horsepower and extended cruising capability. With a maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 pounds and the ability to fly for over six hours on economy settings, the Bristell S-LSA is designed for cross-country flights. It features a wide 51.2-inch cockpit, adjustable rudder pedals, and limited baggage capacity both behind the seats and in two external wing lockers, which cannot be accessed during flight.
What’s next in the rescue efforts?
Authorities are intensifying the search over the next 48 hours before determining whether to scale back or redirect resources. If wreckage is found, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) will lead an official investigation into possible causes, including weather conditions, aircraft maintenance, and pilot decisions.
The search team remains hopeful but acknowledges the challenges ahead. Grounded water-based operations and a vast search area continue to hamper progress. Inspector Clark reiterated calls for public vigilance, especially in remote or coastal areas where debris may wash ashore unnoticed.