THE search for Hobart photographer Tim Jones and pilot Sam Langford, who were on board a light plane that crashed into the sea off Cape Raoul, will enter its third day this morning.
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Mr Jones was photographing yachts in the Sydney to Hobart race from the Airlines of Tasmania plane when it nosedived into the water about 6.20pm on Monday.
The yacht Mistraal was just 300 metres from the plane when it crashed, and immediately radioed race control for help, before helping in the search alongside six other Sydney to Hobart competitors.
Police say the single-engine Cessna was seen making a bank turn about mast height before it went down.
Inspector Lee Renshaw said no distress call was made by the aircraft, but said the weather was constantly changing at the time.
‘‘Squalls were coming and going, seas were lifting and lowering,’’ he said.
An oil slick was located, and the yachts managed to find a seat headrest and set of aviation headphones, but the fuselage is yet to be recovered as the search enters a third day.
Inspector Renshaw said the search has been made difficult by the variable weather conditions at the site, as well as the fact that the water is around 90 metres deep.
SES crews have helped search the nearby coastline, while helicopters have assisted from the air.
Airlines of Tasmania managing director Shannon Wells said his company was co-operating with authorities in their search and investigation of the crash.
Mr Wells paid tribute to Mr Langford, 29, of Mount Nelson, and Mr Jones, 61, of central Hobart.
‘‘Sam is a much valued member of our team. He loves flying and is passionate about aviation, as we all are at Airlines of Tasmania,’’ he said.
‘‘His passenger Tim is highly regarded within the industry for his photography.’’
Tasmania Small Business Council chief executive Robert Mallett posted a condolence message to Mr Jones on Facebook.
‘‘A meeting with Tim on the street as we went about our daily business was always a highlight,’’ he said.
‘‘His dry wit, insightful thoughts and helping words was a great inspiration during my recent election campaign. This city will be a much poorer place without him.’’
Premier Will Hodgman sent his condolences to the families of Mr Jones and Mr Langford.
‘‘My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the two men,’’ he said.
‘‘Tasmania Police, emergency services and the crew of several Sydney to Hobart yachts are to be commended for their quick action in responding to the emergency.
‘‘At this time, my thoughts are also with the owners and staff of Airlines of Tasmania, who will be feeling shocked and saddened by the events.’’
