Beverley shire president describes fatal aircraft crash as ‘devastating’ for Avon Valley community

Beverley shire president David White has described the death of a grandfather in a microlight aircraft crash on Saturday as “devastating” for the Avon Valley community. Experienced pilot John Willson, 69, had been on a solo flight when he crashed shortly after 11am onto his neighbour’s property in the small Wheatbelt town, about 130 kilometres south-east of Perth. The family of the keen aviation enthusiast, who had two decades of flying experience under his belt, had been watching when he lost control in a rocky field near Little Hill Rd, a short distance from the town’s airstrip. Cr Smith said the horrific crash “will have an impact, of course, on the people who knew him”. “Any accident of this type is very devastating. It’s regarded as a safe venture so people don’t expect it,” he said. “In saying that, and given the pilot’s experience, it can be puzzling. It would be premature to rush to make any judgement (about the cause of the crash).” Aviation body Recreational Aviation Australia will investigate the crash and WA Police will prepare a report for the coroner. Cr Smith said shire representatives would meet to discuss the incident on Monday and consider how the council might be able to offer support to Mr Willson’s family. He said conditions on Saturday seemed standard for the Avon Valley, with many other aviation enthusiasts taking to the skies across the weekend. “It was warm with a slight breeze, certainly weather I wouldn’t have said wasn’t conducive with flying. The gliding club was in full swing,” he said. WA Police, St John WA and Department of Fire and Emergency Services officials attended the crash scene but Mr Willson died shortly after he sustained critical injuries. Mr Willson’s youngest daughter, Hayley, told media on Saturday her father was a “beloved member of his community and a keen aviation enthusiast”. “He leaves behind his wife Marlene, three daughters and four grandchildren. John was a brilliant musician and inspiration to his family,” she said. The town of Beverley is popular with hobby gliders due to its stable weather conditions, with the Beverley Soaring Society one of the largest in the world. According to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, a pilot controls a microlight aircraft by shifting its centre of gravity and either has a two or four-stroke engine.