Experienced Coffs Harbour pilot Jim Auld killed in Yamba plane crash

Family and friends of a man who died in a light plane crash in northern New South Wales over the weekend say it's hard to believe the experienced pilot and dedicated family man is gone. Coffs Harbour real estate agent James 'Jim' Auld, 67, died when his plane crashed soon after taking off from McIntyres Airfield, near Yamba, about 11:30am on Sunday. Devastated family members are now rallying around Mr Auld's son Robert, 32, who suffered spinal injuries in the crash and underwent surgery in Gold Coast University Hospital on Monday. Mr Auld's older brother Peter said his sibling had a passion for flying; gaining his pilot's licence in the 1970s through the Coffs Harbour Aero Club. A Gold Coast University Hospital spokesperson said Mr Auld's son Robert remains in a serious but stable condition after his spinal surgery.