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Chigwell air crash: Two dead as aircraft bursts into flames Chigwell air crash: Two dead as aircraft bursts into flames
(about 2 hours later)
Two people have died in a light aircraft that crashed and caught fire in Essex.Two people have died in a light aircraft that crashed and caught fire in Essex.
The Beechcraft King Air 200 came down in a field off Gravel Lane and Miller's Lane in Chigwell just before 10:20 BST and burst into flames, police said.The Beechcraft King Air 200 came down in a field off Gravel Lane and Miller's Lane in Chigwell just before 10:20 BST and burst into flames, police said.
A fire service spokesman said: "On arrival crews reported that the aircraft was 100% alight."A fire service spokesman said: "On arrival crews reported that the aircraft was 100% alight."
Essex Police said the plane was an eight-seater, but there were only two people on board.Essex Police said the plane was an eight-seater, but there were only two people on board.
A police spokesperson said: "We now believe there to have been two people on board the light aircraft which crashed in the field off Gravel Lane in Chigwell. Sadly they both died."A police spokesperson said: "We now believe there to have been two people on board the light aircraft which crashed in the field off Gravel Lane in Chigwell. Sadly they both died."
The plane took off from nearby Stapleford Airfield, the aircraft's owners said. The plane was owned and operated by London Executive Aviation (LEA), who said it had just taken off from nearby Stapleford Airfield and was heading for Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
Ray Gibbs, who was at Woolston Manor Golf and Country Club, said: "We were playing golf and heard a loud bang and the ground rumbled a bit, but we couldn't see any smoke, so we're not sure how far away it was." 'Highly experienced'
A spokesman for the company said the plane was manufactured in 1981 and had its most recent scheduled maintenance inspection on 12 June.
A statement described both crew members, who have not been named, as "highly experienced professional pilots".
Managing director George Galanopoulos said: "Everybody at LEA is shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic accident.
"Our hearts go out to the families and friends of our colleagues who lost their lives.
"We will also co-operate fully with the authorities charged with investigating the causes of the accident."
The company said next-of-kin were being informed via Essex Police.
Ray Gibbs, who was at Woolston Manor Golf and Country Club when the crash happened, said: "We were playing golf and heard a loud bang and the ground rumbled a bit, but we couldn't see any smoke, so we were not sure how far away it was."
Road closures were affecting Gravel Lane, Abridge Road, Miller's Lane, Lambourne Road and Pudding Lane.Road closures were affecting Gravel Lane, Abridge Road, Miller's Lane, Lambourne Road and Pudding Lane.
Police said officers were working with the Air Accident Investigation Branch.Police said officers were working with the Air Accident Investigation Branch.