TWO people have died after a plane crashed into a wheat field during a “flight experience”.
Cops raced to the scene yesterday after a call at 12:30pm said a small aircraft had plummeted into a field near Mill Lane in High Ongar, Essex.
It has now been confirmed that two people died in the horror accident, according to Essex Police.
Police cordoned off the large field, which was surrounded by areas of woodland and further fields.
The small plane took off from North Weald Airfield, expecting to make a short journey, Essex Police has confirmed.
It is understood that the two seater aircraft then crashed during a “flight experience”.
Horrifying photos show the mangled wreckage of the plane.
The force said it would remain on the scene for the “next coming days” while investigations continue.
Police urged residents to avoid Mill Lane and “thank them for their patience and understanding”.
Cops said that the families of the victims “will be supported” and treated with “dignity and respect”.
However, formal identification is yet to take place and the investigation will be a “complex process which will be approached sensitively and compassionately”.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch have launched an investigation into the terrifying accident.
High Ongar is a small village eight miles west of Chelmsford and 30 miles north east of London.
The closest airbases to the crash site are Stapleford Airfield, around 6 miles away, and North Weald Airfield, around 8 miles away.
Several celebrities have flown from North Weald Airfield and the site offers the opportunity to fly in a WW2 era Spitfire.
Detective Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin of Essex Police, said in a full statement at a press briefing today: “Yesterday lunch time, a small aircraft took off from North Weald airfield in what was expected to be a short journey.
“The two seater aircraft was carrying out a small flight experience but sadly it did not return. at 12.30pm we were contacted by members of the public who reported a small aircraft had crashed in a field off Mill Lane in Ongar.
“Sadly, we can now confirm that two people on board have died. Formal identification is yet to take place.
“Due to the nature of the incident, this is likely to be a complex process and one which will be approached sensitively and compassionately.
“heir families will be supported and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
“Our focus is to establish what happened and to give the families the answers they need while ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.
“The investigation has continued overnight and our detectives and forensic teams are working at the scene in parallel with Air Accident Investigation Branch.
“We are working alongside Air Accident Investigation Branch, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, North Weald Airfield and Epping Forest District Council to build an accurate picture of what happened.
“We will also be speaking to those who contacted emergency services and who witnessed what may have been a distressing incident.
“We would like to thank them for their help. I would also ask anyone who witnessed or has footage to call 101 or make contact on our force website.”