Two people have died after a light aircraft crashed in a field near Ongar, Essex, while on a short flight experience. The two-seat Cessna plane crashed off Mill Lane, Ongar, on Tuesday after departing from North Weald airfield, approximately seven miles west, according to Essex Police. The victims have not been formally identified.
Details of the Incident
Detective Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate stated that the aircraft was conducting a short flight experience but tragically did not return. At 12:30 pm on Tuesday, members of the public reported the crash to emergency services. Cronin confirmed that both occupants died in the incident.
Cronin described the investigation as complex, adding: "Due to the nature of the incident, this is likely to be a complex process and one which we will approach sensitively and compassionately. Their families will be supported and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. Our focus is to establish what happened and give the families the answers they need while ensuring they’re treated with dignity and respect."
Investigation Underway
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) dispatched a multidisciplinary team to the site, which continued gathering evidence on Wednesday. An AAIB spokesperson said: "At this point it is too early to speculate on the cause of the crash. We sent a multidisciplinary team, so we have investigators that cover engineering, human factors, operations and engineering support."
Cronin noted that detectives and forensic teams are working in parallel with the AAIB, alongside the fire service, the airfield, and Epping Forest District Council to build an accurate picture of what happened. He appealed for any witnesses or those with footage to contact police via 101 or online.
Community Impact
Police remained at the scene conducting inquiries in the days following the crash. Cronin added: "We are also speaking to those who called emergency services and who witnessed what may have been a distressing incident." The investigation aims to provide answers to the families while respecting their dignity.
