Two people have died after a light aircraft crashed into a field in Essex during what was meant to be a short flight experience, police have confirmed.
The fatal incident occurred around midday on Tuesday after the two-seat Cessna aircraft took off from North Weald Airfield for a brief journey. However, the aircraft failed to return as scheduled.
UK longest-living ex-Labour MP, Patrick Duffy, dies at 105
According to Essex Police, emergency services were alerted at about 12:30 p.m. after members of the public reported that a small plane had crashed in a field off Mill Lane in Ongar, about seven miles from the airfield where it had departed.
Officers who arrived at the scene confirmed that both people on board the aircraft died in the crash. Their identities have not yet been released as formal identification and notification of their families are still underway.
Detective Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate described the incident as a tragic loss.
He said the aircraft had taken off from North Weald Airfield on what was expected to be a short flight experience before it disappeared from its planned route.
“It was carrying out a short flight experience, but sadly it did not return,” Cronin said, adding that emergency responders were called after witnesses reported seeing the aircraft crash into the field.
Police said investigations continued throughout the night, with detectives and forensic specialists examining the crash site to determine what caused the aircraft to go down.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), the UK’s independent aviation accident investigation authority, has also joined the inquiry. Investigators are working alongside Essex Police, the fire service, North Weald Airfield and Epping Forest District Council to establish the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Authorities said the investigation will focus on gathering evidence from the wreckage, examining weather conditions, the aircraft’s maintenance history and any available flight information.
Detective Chief Superintendent Cronin said officers would remain at the scene over the coming days while investigations continue. He appealed for patience as authorities work to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The crash has shocked the local community, with residents expressing sadness over the loss of life.
Police have urged anyone who witnessed the aircraft in flight or has information that could assist investigators to come forward as efforts continue to determine the cause of the tragic accident.
For more details, visit New Dailyprime
