Ongar plane crash: Two people killed after light aircraft crashes into field in Essex
Police said two people were killed when a light aircraft with “short flight experience” crashed into a field near Ongar in Essex yesterday afternoon.
Essex Police said the two-seat Cessna plane crashed in a field off Ongar Mill Lane on Tuesday after previously taking off from North Weald airport, about seven miles away.
The two people in the vehicle, whose identities have not yet been officially disclosed, both died.
Detective Superintendent Morgan Cronin, of Kent and Essex Serious Crime, said the “small aircraft took off from North Weald airport on what was expected to be a short journey”.
“The two-seat Cessna aircraft had a brief flying experience but unfortunately did not return,” he said.
“At 12.30pm (on Tuesday), we were contacted by citizens reporting that a small plane had crashed in a field off Mill Lane, Ongar.
“Sadly we can now confirm that the two people on board have died.
“Official identification has not occurred yet”
He continued: “The nature of the incident is complex, and it is likely to be a process that we will approach with sensitivity and compassion.
“Their families will be supported and our thoughts will be with them at this difficult time.
“Our focus is on identifying what happened and providing families with the answers they need, while ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.
“The investigation continued throughout the night, and our detectives and forensic teams are working at the scene in parallel with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch Directorate.”
He said police were also working with the fire service, the airport and Epping Forest District Council to “form an accurate picture of what happened”.
“We are also speaking to anyone who called emergency services and witnessed a potentially distressing incident,” he said.
“We want to thank them for their help.”
He said the police would investigate the scene in the coming days.
He asked any eyewitnesses or those with footage to call 101 or report online.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) had previously confirmed it was investigating the incident and investigators were at the scene.
A spokesman said: “An accident involving a light aircraft at Ongar, Essex, today (30 June) has been reported to the Air Accident Investigation Branch.
“An investigation was launched and a team of investigators headed to the scene of the accident.”
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