By Andy Young
Renowned grape grower and winemaker Tony Mangan has died after the light aircraft he was flying crashed close to Mildura Airport on Friday evening.
The Mildura Independent reports that Mangan was flying his twin-engine Cessna to Mildura when it came into difficulty just short of the runway.
Eyewitness reports said that aircraft engine had been spluttering and it was seen flying low before crashing. Investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau visited the crash site on Saturday morning.
Mildura Airport board chairman Peter O'Donnell said he had been told the plane had been attempting to land but fell short of the runway.
"It certainly hit a power line and landed in a fruit block," O'Donnell told the Sunraysia Daily.
Tony and Julie Mangan founded Bolder TM in 1989 and own around 550 hectares of vineyards, growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Colombard, Glera, Gordo, Merlot, Moscato Giallo, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Shiraz.
Recently Mangan decided after years of growing grapes for other winemakers, that he would try his hand at his own wine. Bolder TM now produces three ranges of wine: the Explorer, Don't Hesitate and Don't Hesitate Reserve, which are currently sold predominantly overseas.
Intermedia expresses its sympathy to Mangan's family and friends after their loss.