Family of Market Drayton microlight crash victim urges improvements in flight safety standards and guidance following inquest
The family of an aviation enthusiast who died in a microlight crash have urged that flight safety standards and guidance be improved following the conclusion of an inquest into his death.
Lawrence Sumner, also known as Mike, died aged 66 on May 30 last year alongside friend Tony Crocombe when the RANS S6 Coyote II aircraft they were flying in came down in a field on the outskirts of Shifnal Airfield as it attempted to land.
A jury inquest held at Shrewsbury Coroners Court this week heard that Mr Crocombe, who was in control of the plane at the time of the crash, was flying too slowly and was incorrectly positioned as he attempted to approach the airfield, resulting in him losing control of the aircraft.
It also heard that Mr Crocombe had about eight hours flight experience in this type of aircraft since purchasing it. During two flights with the previous owner, the owner had taken control when he became concerned about the aircraft's speed when under Mr Crocombe's control.
At the conclusion of the hearing into the incident before a jury, the verdict of misadventure was recorded in the case of Mr Crocombe and accidental death was recorded in respect of Mr Sumner, both of whom lived in Market Drayton.
