JUST SO BEAUTIFUL
Tributes flow for crash pilot as authorities probe cause
NIKITA Jo Walker, the pilot killed in a crash in Tasmania’s wilderness on Saturday, has been remembered by friends as “a gorgeous young woman who was so beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside”. Authorities are still investigating the cause.
THE pilot tragically killed in a plane crash in southern Tasmania has been remembered as a “bubbly, happy and energetic person”.
Nikita Jo Walker, 30, of Tranmere, died when her twin-engine Par Avion aircraft collided with a mountain near Federation Peak in the Western Arthurs range about 8.30am on Saturday.
Airlines of Tasmania managing director Shannon Wells yesterday paid tribute to a “wellloved member of the team”.
“We’ve just been inundated with messages of support from public figures and customers,” Mr Wells said. “It shows the character of Nikita.”
He said the company was providing support for Ms Walker’s grieving family, who had travelled down from Queensland following her death.
Ms Walker was originally from Maroochydore but moved to Tasmania to further her career as a commercial pilot and joined Par Avion in 2016.
Mr Wells said she was an experienced and well-qualified pilot who had flown between Hobart and Melaleuca many times.
“We are mourning the loss of a great member of our team who was not only a work colleague but a much loved friend to everyone at the airline,” he said.
“Our focus … is very much with the pilot’s family and friends, including their colleagues here at Airlines of Tasmania.”
In an Instagram post on May 26 this year, 12 months after she completed her commercial pilot licence, Ms Walker said: “I truly love my job.”
The hardworking pilot also loved fishing, surfing, boating and the Tasmanian Wilderness.
Tributes flowed for Ms Walker on social media, with one colleague saying they had a great time working with her and out in South West Tasmania.
“Nikita flew us to Melaleuca in January,” Rosemary Sargison said.
“We were blessed to have her company for the whole day as she also drove the boat we were in on Bathurst Harbour.
“Sincere condolences to her family on the loss of this gorgeous young woman who was so beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside.”
Mel Denman posted: “She flew us down there on Tuesday, a lovely lady.”
Ingrid Barker said Ms Walker was “so helpful and encouraging” for her son’s first flight.
Zoe Rose paid tribute to an “amazing pilot, her passion for flying was so evident even in the few hours we had in the air with her”.
Friend Jasmine Schwarz said Ms Walker had an “amazing heart and soul”.
“This is extremely hard news to hear and it has shattered me,” she said.
“Keets certainly lived life to the fullest and experienced more in her short life then anyone else I know.”
Tim Boulenger said his friend was always “full of life”.
“Ambitious and brave she would have gone far in life. She will be missed,” he said.
“I’ll lay some flowers for her in the ocean tomorrow.”
An avid traveller, Ms Walker made frequent trips overseas to surf and dive.
Tasmania Police said their thoughts were “with Nikita’s family and her loved ones at this difficult time”.
They will prepare a report for the Coroner.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating the cause of the collision.
The plane turned back towards Hobart before it crashed in bad weather 100m below the summit of West Portal.
The ATSB said the Pilatus Britten-Norman BN2A-20 was destroyed by the impact.
The final report is expected to be completed late next year.
Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB said it would immediately notify those affected and seek safety action to address the issue.
We’ve just been inundated with messages of support from public figures and customers … it shows the character of Nikita
— SHANNON WELLS