Two people have died after a light aircraft crashed into a wheat field during a ‘flight experience’ near a small Essex village.
Emergency services were called to Mill Lane in High Ongar at around 12.30pm on Tuesday after reports that a small aircraft had come down in a field.
Essex Police have now confirmed that both people on board the plane died in the crash.
The force said the aircraft had taken off from North Weald Airfield and was due to complete what has been described as a short ‘flight experience’ before the fatal accident.
A large police cordon remains in place around the crash site, with officers expected to remain at the scene for the coming days while investigations continue.
Several police vehicles, including forensics vans, were parked on a track within the scene.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched an investigation into the crash and has dispatched a team of inspectors to the site.
An AAIB spokesperson said: ‘An accident in Ongar, Essex involving a light aircraft which occurred today has been notified to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.
‘An investigation has been launched and a team of inspectors are on their way to the accident site.’
The light aircraft came down in a field off Mill Lane, High Ongar, at about 12:30 BST on Tuesday
Essex Police have now confirmed that both people on board the plane died in the crash
Detective Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin, Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: ‘Yesterday lunchtime, Tuesday, June 30, a 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.
‘At 12.30pm we were contacted by members of the public who reported a small aircraft had crashed in a field off Mill Lane, Ongar.
‘Sadly we can now confirm that the two people on board have died. Formal identification has yet to take place.’
Cronin previously described the incident as ‘serious’ and said officers were working alongside other emergency services to secure the area.
He said: ‘This is a serious incident, and we understand it will cause concern in the local community.
‘We are working closely with emergency service partners to respond and ensure the area is safe. There will be a visible police presence as we deal with this incident.’
Police have urged residents to continue avoiding Mill Lane while emergency services and investigators carry out their work, thanking the public for their patience and understanding.
In a Facebook post, High Ongar’s St Mary’s Church said: ‘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.’
The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
