This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/staffordshire/7809194.stm

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Three feared dead in plane crash Three feared dead in plane crash
(about 4 hours later)
Three people are now believed to have died when a light aircraft crashed into overhead power lines on the West Coast Main Line in Staffordshire.Three people are now believed to have died when a light aircraft crashed into overhead power lines on the West Coast Main Line in Staffordshire.
The plane came down near the village of Little Haywood, causing disruption for thousands of rail passengers.The plane came down near the village of Little Haywood, causing disruption for thousands of rail passengers.
The aircraft was registered to the pilot of the plane, Alan Matthews, 59, from Walsall, who died in the crash.The aircraft was registered to the pilot of the plane, Alan Matthews, 59, from Walsall, who died in the crash.
Part of the rail route remains closed, disrupting travel between London Euston, the North West and Scotland.Part of the rail route remains closed, disrupting travel between London Euston, the North West and Scotland.
Flying experienceFlying experience
Mr Matthews' wife Jenny confirmed the 59-year-old was piloting the light aircraft that crashed shortly before 1200 GMT on Friday.Mr Matthews' wife Jenny confirmed the 59-year-old was piloting the light aircraft that crashed shortly before 1200 GMT on Friday.
She said her husband had 19 years of flying experience and that the family were in shock over what had happened.
Mr Matthews is registered as company director of Sittles Farm Flying Club, near Lichfield in Staffordshire.Mr Matthews is registered as company director of Sittles Farm Flying Club, near Lichfield in Staffordshire.
His wife said he had 19 years flying experience and it was thought he had arranged to go flying with a work colleague and possibly another person.
Police said that two people died in the crash but they believed a third person had also been on board. British Transport Police said a pathologist was expected to confirm this on Saturday.Police said that two people died in the crash but they believed a third person had also been on board. British Transport Police said a pathologist was expected to confirm this on Saturday.
...suddenly it just turned and went straight down like a stunt plane Derek HiggottLocal resident...suddenly it just turned and went straight down like a stunt plane Derek HiggottLocal resident
Local resident Derek Higgott, who lives close to the crash scene, said: "I heard the plane, I looked up, and suddenly it just turned and went straight down like a stunt plane.Local resident Derek Higgott, who lives close to the crash scene, said: "I heard the plane, I looked up, and suddenly it just turned and went straight down like a stunt plane.
"There was a huge thud and black smoke. You could feel the vibration from it and a huge flock of birds all took off.""There was a huge thud and black smoke. You could feel the vibration from it and a huge flock of birds all took off."
Inspectors from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch have been examining the scene to find the possible cause of the crash.Inspectors from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch have been examining the scene to find the possible cause of the crash.
Police said it was expected post-mortem examinations would be carried out on Sunday.Police said it was expected post-mortem examinations would be carried out on Sunday.
All rail services on the West Coast Mainline between Rugby and Stafford remained suspended.All rail services on the West Coast Mainline between Rugby and Stafford remained suspended.
British Transport Police warned that the line was unlikely to be fully repaired this weekend.British Transport Police warned that the line was unlikely to be fully repaired this weekend.