Shifnal aircraft crash: Inquests to open on Shropshire pair killed in tragedy

Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin coroner John Ellery will open the hearing on the deaths of Tony Crocombe and Lawrence Michael Sumner, on Wednesday at Shirehall, Shrewsbury.

Mr Crocombe, 64, and Mr Sumner, 66, both from Market Drayton, died when the aircraft they were in crashed at Shifnal on Monday.

Emergency services attended the scene but were unable to save the men who were pronounced dead at the scene. Tributes were paid to both men with a statement from Mr Sumner's family describing a man who idolised his grandchildren.

It said: "Michael lived for flying and it was his life as well as his two grandchildren whom he idolised. He died happy doing what he loved."

The family also said: "We would like to thank all of the eye witnesses that took the trouble to help the emergency services and give statements to the police when they arrived.

"We would also like to thank our friends and neighbours for the support that they have given to us."

Wrekin Microlight Flying Club's safety adviser Andy Richards described Mr Crocombe as a "gentleman".

He said: "Having met Tony on a couple of occasions he was a gentleman and an aviation enthusiast who loved flying." Lydia Santis, from Cobham Aviation Services, where Mr Crocombe worked, said: "

Tony had been an employee at Cobham since 1992 and was both a well-respected and popular member of staff. He will be missed."

The microlight crashed at about 5pm in a field off Shaw Lane.

Investigations into the incident have been launched by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

It is expected that Mr Ellery will open and adjourn the inquests until later this year.