Newtownards air crash: Separate investigations launched after two deaths
- Published
The scene of the crash on Tuesday night, in which two people died
The police in Northern Ireland and air accident investigators have launched separate investigations into a light aircraft crash in which two people died on Tuesday.
The crash happened at Newtownards Airport on the Portaferry Road at 20:20 BST on Tuesday.
The victims were members of the Ulster Flying Club.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it is investigating on behalf of the coroner.
A spokesperson for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it had sent a team of inspectors to the accident site.
A PSNI spokesperson said its investigation was separate from the AAIB's and appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash or has footage to contact them.
Fire engines and ambulances responded to the crash in Newtownards, County Down
Earlier on Wednesday, the Ulster Flying Club confirmed "with great sadness and regret" that two members had died in the crash.
"Our thoughts at this most terrible time are with the families and friends of the two people involved," it added.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said in a statement on Tuesday that it had despatched two emergency crews, a doctor and ambulance officer to the scene after a 999 call.
"No patients were taken from the scene," the statement added.
The aftermath of the aircraft crash was captured on film
'Human tragedy'
Ulster Unionist MLA for Strangford, Mike Nesbitt, said the airfield was a "fixture of the town" and people were used to seeing aircraft and helicopters in the area.
"This is above all a human tragedy," he said.
"Our thoughts are with the family members and friends who have lost loved ones."
Police were called to Newtownards airport on Tuesday evening
The mayor of Ards and North Down, Karen Douglas, said she was "extremely sorry" at the news,
She said: "My thoughts are with their families and friends as they try to come to terms with this tragic event.
"My thanks go out to all those involved in the emergency response at the scene last night."
Councillor Vicky Moore was at the scene of the crash and said the community was in shock.
"As somebody who lives very locally - just under the flight path of the airfield - I know how busy it is," Ms Moore, an Alliance Party representative, told BBC News NI.
"This will be a terrible shock to the community and very sad news for the families affected.
"The airfield is so popular, it is not expected that something like this would happen."
She said her thoughts were with the families and anyone else affected. She was also very grateful for the response of the emergency services.
Many private light aircraft, helicopter and microlight pilots base their aircraft at the airport which is also home to flying schools.