Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

The scene of the crash this morning. Niall Carson/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Investigations into plane crash which killed instructor and trainee pilot

Gardaí and the Air Accident Investigation Unit are probing the crash near Birr which killed two men yesterday evening.

TWO INVESTIGATIONS INTO the light aircraft crash which killed two men near Birr in Co Offaly yesterday are under way today.

Both Gardaí and the Department of Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) are investigating the circumstances of the crash in which an instructor and a trainee pilot died.

The pair have been named locally as Niall Doherty, the instructor, and his trainee Damien Deegan.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said this morning that the Air Traffic Control centre at Shannon notified emergency service just before 5pm yesterday when the aircraft – a Cessna 150 - disappeared off the radar.

Investigators from the AAIU were on the scene last night and the IAA said this morning it would co-operate fully with investigations.

Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, aviation expert Gerry Bryrne said that “one of many things” could have caused yesterday’s crash but appeared to rule out the possibility that weather played a factor.

He said that visibility in darkness could have been an issue.

Read: Two dead after light aircraft crash in Co Offaly

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
17 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds