Two people have died after a small plane crashed into a field in Essex while on a "short flight experience", police have confirmed. The two-seater Cessna 152 came down just before 12.30pm on Tuesday near Mill Lane in Ongar, with members of the public raising the alarm. The aircraft had taken off seven miles away from North Weald airfield at 12.22pm, heading eastwards before turning back after five minutes. Flight-tracking data shows the signal ended at 12.30pm – the same time emergency services received a report that it had crashed. The plane had operated two flights earlier that day, and five the day before.
Det Ch Supt Morgan Cronin, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “The small aircraft took off from North Weald airfield on what was expected to be a short journey. The two-seat Cessna aircraft was carrying out a short flight experience but sadly it did not return.” Formal identification of the victims has yet to take place. “Due to the nature of the incident, this is likely to be a complex process and one we will approach sensitively and compassionately,” Cronin added. “Their families will be supported, and our thoughts are with them. Our focus is to establish what happened and give their families the answers they need, while ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.”
“Two people died when a Cessna 152 crashed during a short flight experience in Essex on Tuesday.”
Police have remained at the scene since Tuesday, with detectives and forensic teams working alongside the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). The AAIB confirmed an investigation had been launched and a team of inspectors was sent to the site on Tuesday. Cronin said officers were also working with 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.” Police appealed for any witnesses or those with footage to call 101 or report online.
Wreckage was removed from the site on Wednesday. Alex Burghart, MP for Brentwood and Ongar, posted online: “Very sad news from High Ongar yesterday relating to a tragic incident involving a light aircraft. My thoughts are with the victims’ families and am very grateful to the emergency services for all their work and for keeping me informed.” Police expect to remain at the scene for several days as the investigation continues, leaving unanswered questions for the families of the two who died.