Two dead after small plane crashes in field in Essex during trial flying experience

Two people died after a light aircraft carrying out a trial flying experience crashed into a field near High Ongar in Essex on Tuesday, according to police.The two-seat Cessna aircraft came down in a field off Mill Lane at around 12.30 pm local time after taking off from North Weald Airfield, about seven miles away.

Emergency services were alerted by members of the public who witnessed the crash.Det Ch Supt Morgan Cronin of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said the aircraft had been on what was expected to be a short flight experience when the accident occurred.“The two-seat Cessna aircraft was carrying out a short flying experience flight but, sadly, it did not return,” Cronin said. The two people on board have not yet been formally identified.

Investigation under way

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has deployed a multidisciplinary team to examine the crash site and determine what led to the accident.According to a report by The Guardian, investigators specialising in engineering, operations, human factors and engineering support remained at the scene on Wednesday gathering evidence. The AAIB said it was too early to speculate on the cause of the crash.Police said forensic teams and detectives were continuing their work alongside AAIB investigators, the fire service, North Weald Airfield and Epping Forest District Council.

Cronin said authorities were focused on establishing exactly what happened while ensuring the victims’ families were treated with “dignity and respect”.

Flight experience offered to the public

North Weald Airfield offers trial flying experiences that can be booked by members of the public. According to the airfield operator’s website, participants sit in the front seat of the aircraft and can access dual flight controls under the supervision of a certified flight instructor.According to the BBC, the flight involved in the crash was part of one such flying experience. The broadcaster said the aircraft had reportedly completed two earlier flights on Tuesday before taking off again shortly before the accident.Flight-tracking data cited by the BBC indicated that the aircraft’s final journey lasted about eight minutes before it came to a stop near High Ongar.

Appeal for witnesses

Police are speaking with people who witnessed the crash and those who contacted emergency services.

Officers are expected to remain at the site for several more days as inquiries continue.Authorities have appealed for anyone who saw the aircraft before the crash or who may have relevant video footage to come forward.In a message posted on Facebook, St Mary’s Church in High Ongar asked the community to pray for those affected, saying: “Please join us in praying for everyone involved, for the emergency services responding and for all those in our local community who have been affected.”