Gillis Was An Established Adventurer Who Took Up Aviation And Earned Her ATP Just A Few Weeks Ago

It has been a tragic week for aviation... especially in terms of a number of twin-engine aircraft involved in recent accidents. 

Now, we must regretfully report that 34-year-old Pilot/Photographer/Poet/Adventurer Natalie Gillis lost her life in a Canadian-registered Piper PA-31 Navajo C, C-GKSI. Gillis was a truly lovely lady and an established adventurer/human being who took up aviation and earned her ATP just a few weeks ago. Her photography has graced the cover of Canadian Geographic and her photo work with aviation was a positive effort for our community. 

Natalie joined Quebec, Canada-based KASI Aviation Services in late 2023 and worked as a pilot, recently surveying rainforests as part of an environmental conservation project.

Published reports indicate that her aircraft airplane departed from runway 19 at KALB, Monday, and reported engine trouble shortly after takeoff. ADS-B data shows that the airplane climbed to an altitude of about 800 feet before it began a descending left turn back to the airport. The airplane entered a brief climb towards the conclusion of the turn before it began a second descent. Video evidence suggests the aircraft was in a right bank before it impacted the ground in a right-wing first, nose-down attitude. A post-crash fire ensued.

ANN sends our prayers and condolences to her family and friends... and note that she was also a friend of ours who will be very much missed. 

FMI: https://kasiaviation.com