Welshpool air crash: Two die as light aircraft comes down at Long Mountain

Two people have died after a light aircraft crashed into a Powys mountain.

Dyfed-Powys Police were called to Long Mountain in Leighton, near Welshpool, at about 12:00 GMT on Wednesday.

Mid Wales Airport, near Welshpool, would not comment, but closed after the tragedy. The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) is investigating.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service sent three engines to the scene, and police and the Welsh Ambulance Service were also there.

"This incident involved a light aircraft which has come down on Long Mountain," said Ch Insp Martin Tavener.

"We have now located next of kin and a family liaison officer has been appointed.

"The Air Accident Investigation Branch are en route to the scene and will take on the investigation from here."

A fire service spokesperson said: "Two appliances from Welshpool, one appliance from Llanfair Caereinion, and a Land Rover pump from Llanfyllin have attended the incident.

"Two breathing apparatus sets have been in use, and a low pressure hose reel jet."

Montgomery MP Glyn Davies said it was a "terrible tragedy".

"The weather is quite good in the area today, so I'm not sure what caused this," said the MP.

'Tragic incident'

"I am calling for a full-scale inquiry, but that is for another day.

"At the moment, my thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have died in this tragic incident."

Local farmer Bryan Morris, 38, said the plane crashed into a field around a mile from his house.

He said: "Part of it is in the field and part of it is in the woods so it's obviously broken up quite a bit. I haven't been over there myself as I didn't want to get in the way.

"There's still a van and a couple of other vehicles over there but that's nothing compared to earlier."

Mr Morris said he did not see or hear the crash, even though he was outside at the time.

He said: "I was outside in the field and saw some smoke but didn't think anything of it. I just thought someone was having a fire.

"Then two helicopters landed, so I knew then something must have happened."