Two people onboard small plane die after it crashes in field in Essex

Two people have died after a light aircraft on a “short flight experience” crashed in a field near Ongar in Essex , police have said. The two-seat Cessna plane crashed in a field off Mill Lane, Ongar, on Tuesday after taking off from North Weald airfield about seven miles west, Essex police said. The two people onboard, who have not been formally identified, died. DCS Morgan Cronin, of Kent and Essex serious crime directorate, said the plane was “on what was expected to be a short journey”. He added: “The two-seat Cessna aircraft was carrying out a short flight experience but sadly it did not return. “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.” Cronin said: “Due to the nature of the incident this is likely to be a complex process and one which we will approach sensitively and compassionately. “Their families will be supported and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. “Our focus is to establish what happened and give the families the answers they need while ensuring they’re treated with dignity and respect.” The Air Accident Investigations Branch sent a team of investigators who continued to gather evidence at the site on Wednesday. An AAIB spokesperson said: “We are still on site today making inquiries. …