Two confirmed dead after light aircraft crashes in Essex field
Police say the victims were taking part in a flying experience flight from North Weald as forensic investigations continue
Last updated 8 hours ago
A police investigation is underway after two people died when a light aircraft carrying out a "short flight experience" crashed in a field in Essex.
The two-seat Cessna plane crashed in a field off Mill Lane, Ongar, on Tuesday having earlier taken off from North Weald airfield around seven miles away, Essex Police said.
Emergency services were called to Mill Lane, Ongar at around 12:30pm on Tuesday, 30 June.
Essex Police said the two people on board had been taking part in a flying experience flight that departed from North Weald before the crash.
Specialist forensic investigators remain at the scene as officers work to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police will remain on scene for a few days while enquiries continue.
Formal identification of the two people who died has not yet taken place.
The cause of the crash has not yet been confirmed, and investigations are ongoing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin, of Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said:
“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.
“The investigation has continued overnight and our detectives and forensic teams are working at scene in parallel with the Air Accident Investigations Branch.”
He said police were also working alongside the fire service, the airfield and Epping Forest District Council to “build an accurate picture of what happened”.
“We are also speaking to those who called emergency services and who witnessed what may have been a distressing incident,” he said.
“We would like to thank them for their help.”