• Source:JND
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Australia is grappling with a perplexing aviation mystery reminiscent of the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. On August 2, 2025, a privately owned aircraft lifted off from George Town Airport in Tasmania around 12:45 pm and vanished without a trace. More than three weeks later, the plane and its occupants remain missing, despite an extensive search effort.

Pilot Gregory Vaughan, 72, his partner Kim Warner, 66, and their dog, Molly, were on board the plane. The couple, who were both native Tasmanians and seasoned pilots, were scheduled to make a stopover in Victoria before arriving at Hillston Airport, close to Condobolin in central western New South Wales. Alarms were raised, though, when friends and family did not respond to them by 5 p.m. that same day. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) organised a massive search after family members alerted authorities.

No Distress Signal Or Communication

The two-seater aircraft disappeared shortly after taking off, while passing over the Bass Strait, a section of water that divides Tasmania from the Australian mainland. No tracking information, radio communication, or distress signal has been received since the aircraft's departure. "The two people on the plane have not been in contact with anyone, or aviation authorities, since they left George Town," said Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark, who voiced concern over the complete lack of communication.

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The search operation has spanned northern Tasmania, the Bass Strait, and southern Victoria. Airborne sweeps have been conducted by AMSA aircraft and Tasmania Police helicopters, while maritime efforts have involved police boats and ferries. Search crews have particularly concentrated along Tasmania’s northern coastline, between George Town and Turners Beach. However, poor weather, low cloud cover, and rough sea conditions have complicated the mission.

Pilot Experience And Aircraft Details

Inspector Clark noted that while the pilot was highly experienced and actively involved in the George Town aeroclub, the aircraft itself was relatively new to him, having been acquired only three to four months prior to the flight. “No distress call or radio transmission occurred before the disappearance, which is deeply concerning,” he added.

The case has captured national attention due to the eerie similarity to the MH370 incident, where an aircraft disappeared over the Indian Ocean without a trace. While authorities continue to comb air, sea, and land areas with renewed urgency, families of Vaughan and Warner are anxiously awaiting news.

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As of today, 22 days since the disappearance, there remains no clue as to the plane’s whereabouts or the fate of its occupants. The mystery continues to baffle aviation experts and investigators.