An experienced pilot killed in a light plane crash which seriously injured his son has been named as a well-known businessman and beloved grandfather. 

Jim Auld, 67, was flying the plane with son Robert, 32, on board when it took off from McIntyres Airfield in Palmers Island near Yamba in northern NSW shortly before 11.30am on Sunday. 

The aircraft crashed just minutes after taking off from the private airstrip.

Multiple ambulances and a rescue helicopter rushed to the scene, where Mr Auld was found dead. 

His son suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Gold Coast Hospital.

‘We are all hoping Robert pulls through,’ Mr Auld’s shattered brother Peter told the Daily Telegraph.

Mr Auld’s name was actually Jason but ‘everyone called him Jim’ according to his brother.

The father-of-four was a respected businessman and real estate agent in the Coffs Harbour region who enjoyed being a mentor to young people.

Jim Auld (pictured) was killed in a light plane crash on Sunday. He was flying the plane, while his son, who was a passenger, was seriously injured in the crash

The plane crashed just after takeoff at around 11.30am from McIntyres Airfield in Palmer’s Island. The aftermath is pictured

Mr Auld is survived by his wife, three daughters, son Robert and three grandchildren. 

‘He had started to take things a little easier and have more time with family,’ his brother Peter added. 

‘It is a hard time for everyone.’

Mr Auld, who owned two properties in northern NSW, had been a private pilot for more than two decades and regularly flew his own plane. 

‘The two properties had cattle on them and that kept him pretty busy,’ his brother said.

Jim Auld (left) was a much loved real estate agent and businessman from Coffs Harbour

The real estate agent was also a stock and station owner, auctioneer and owner of Coffs Coast Property Sales.

‘With over 30 years experience in the real estate industry, Jim has worked as licensee and principal of several agencies since 1990, and was first registered as a real estate salesman in the 1970s,’ his business website states.

News of Mr Auld’s death sparked an outpouring of tributes.

‘Terrible news. Always a nice guy to work with,’ one wrote. 

Another added: ‘Jim was a decent likeable person.’

A third wrote: ‘A really nice bloke and a very experienced pilot. Warmest thoughts and condolences to the Auld family.’

NSW Police has established a crime scene and launched an investigation into the crash.

Footage from the crash site showed dozens of first responders and bystanders near the wreckage just off the dusty runway (pictured)

Footage from the crash site showed dozens of first responders and bystanders near the wreckage just off the dusty runway.

A Rural Fire Service crew attended the scene to provide fire protection, alongside the State Emergency Service. 

Crash investigators remained at the scene on Sunday night with members of the public to avoid the area.

It’s expected to take some time before the cause of the crash is determined.