Two dead after light aircraft crashes in Essex during 'short flight experience'

Two people have died after a light aircraft crashed in a field in Essex yesterday afternoon, police have said.

The two-seat Cessna plane crashed in a field off Mill Lane, Ongar, having earlier taken off from North Weald airfield around seven miles away, Essex Police said.

The incident happened during a "short flight experience".

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Detective Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin, of 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."

Officers said formal identification has yet to take place and that, due to the nature of the incident, this is likely to be a "complex process".

Flight-tracking website Flightradar24 shows the plane took off from North Weald Airfield at 12.22pm and headed eastwards before turning back towards the airfield after five minutes.

The aircraft operated two flights earlier that day, and five the day before, according to the data.

DSupt Cronin said the investigation continued overnight and detectives and forensic teams are working at the scene in parallel with the Air Accident Investigations Branch.

He said police are also working alongside the fire service, the airfield, and Epping Forest District Council to "build an accurate picture of what happened".

He said officers would remain at the scene carrying out inquiries over the coming days and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

(c) Sky News 2026: Two dead after light aircraft crashes in Essex during 'short flight experience'