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Investigation into Leicestershire plane crash | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Investigators are looking into what caused a crash between two light aircraft which killed one pilot. | Investigators are looking into what caused a crash between two light aircraft which killed one pilot. |
The planes came down near Gartree Road in Great Stretton, near Leicester Airport, on Sunday afternoon. | The planes came down near Gartree Road in Great Stretton, near Leicester Airport, on Sunday afternoon. |
A pilot died at the scene and two men in the other plane had minor injuries. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has begun an inquiry. | |
Reports said the crash happened in the air as a red monoplane was taking off and a yellow biplane was about to land. | |
The biplane had taken off in the Nottingham area. | |
Gartree Road remains sealed off and diversions are in place while an investigation is carried out at the scene. | |
'Absolutely devastated' | |
Ivan Court, from Leicestershire Aero Club, who knew the pilot who died in the crash, said he was a very well-liked and respected member of the club. | |
"We are absolutely devastated by the loss. | |
"He had his own aircraft, a 1930s aircraft which he took great pride in flying and flew it all over this country and Europe and he was very well respected for his skills as a pilot. | |
"It was excellent flight conditions which makes this all the more tragic. There were no circumstances which would have been weather related which is usually the case in aviation accidents." | |
Det Insp Rob Widdowson, of Leicestershire Police, said: "We would urge anyone who was in the area before 2pm to think back and contact us if they believe they may have seen either aircraft beforehand. | Det Insp Rob Widdowson, of Leicestershire Police, said: "We would urge anyone who was in the area before 2pm to think back and contact us if they believe they may have seen either aircraft beforehand. |
"Even the slightest detail could help with our inquiries." | "Even the slightest detail could help with our inquiries." |
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