Two individuals have lost their lives after a light aircraft undertaking a 'short flight experience' came down in a field in Essex, police have confirmed.
Aircraft Crashed in Ongar Field
The two-seat Cessna plane crashed in a field off Mill Lane, Ongar, on Tuesday, having earlier taken off from North Weald airfield, approximately seven miles away, Essex Police said.
Neither of the two occupants, who are yet to be formally identified, survived the crash.
Police Statement on Incident
Detective Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin, of Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, revealed that the 'small aircraft took off from North Weald airfield on what was expected to be a short journey.'
'The two-seat Cessna aircraft was carrying out a short flight experience but sadly it did not return,' he said.
'At 12.30pm (on Tuesday) we were contacted by members of the public who reported a small aircraft had crashed in a field off Mill Lane, Ongar.'
'Sadly we can now confirm that the two people on board have died. Formal identification has yet to take place.'
Investigation Underway
Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been informed and will conduct a thorough examination of the wreckage to determine the cause of the accident.
The identities of the deceased have not been released pending formal identification and notification of next of kin.
