Two killed as light aircraft crashes into field near Shifnal
Two people were killed today when their light aircraft crashed into a field on the outskirts of Shifnal.
The pilot and the passenger in the aircraft were pronounced dead at the scene.
The aircraft came down in a field off Shaw Lane, close to the base of the Wrekin Microlight Flying Club, just before 5pm.
West Mercia Police Superintendent, Kevin Purcell, said: "This is a very sad incident in which two people have tragically lost their lives, we are making sure specially trained officers are making contact with their next of kin and giving them all the support they need.
"We have been working closely with our colleagues from the other emergency services at the scene to make the area safe and ensure the resulting investigation can proceed."
Emergency services closed the road, just off the A4169 Madeley Road, at both ends as they investigated.
The tail of the plane was visible from the road through the crops in the field where it came down.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been informed and is deploying a team of investigators.
Police, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, Midlands Air Ambulance and West Midlands Ambulance Service all attended.
One witness reported on Twitter that the aircraft had been flying normally but then "just nosedived out of the sky".
Other eyewitnesses reported that it was a fixed-wing aircraft, which was seen losing power and making a steep descent before crashing into the field.
Michelle Marshall, from Shifnal said she saw the scene when she got back from walking her dogs.
She said: "I was only aware of anything when I saw the air ambulance landing in the field in front of our house.
"Within minutes there were several fire engines and ambulances arriving on the adjacent lane."
Shropshire Fire and Rescue service dispatched seven fire crews to the scene from Bridgnorth, Telford Central, Tweedale and Wellington.
The crews were armed foam pods, which carry extinguishing foam which is recommended for use over water in certain types of fires, like electrical blazes.
The incident support unit and rescue tender were also called to the scene.
