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Version 2 Version 3
Air crash deaths probe to start Air crash deaths probe to start
(about 8 hours later)
Air crash investigators are due to begin an examination of a site in the Midlands where two people died in a collision involving two light aircraft.Air crash investigators are due to begin an examination of a site in the Midlands where two people died in a collision involving two light aircraft.
The pair died when the plane they were in crashed into a field near Blithfield Reservoir in Staffordshire on Sunday.The pair died when the plane they were in crashed into a field near Blithfield Reservoir in Staffordshire on Sunday.
The other aircraft managed to land at East Midlands Airport in Leicestershire where the three people on board scrambled to safety.The other aircraft managed to land at East Midlands Airport in Leicestershire where the three people on board scrambled to safety.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is to lead crash examinations.The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is to lead crash examinations.
'Collisions rare''Collisions rare'
Tim Atkinson, of the AAIB, said a detailed technical examination of the crash scene would begin at first light on Monday.Tim Atkinson, of the AAIB, said a detailed technical examination of the crash scene would begin at first light on Monday.
He said it was too early to say exactly what had caused the collision. Weather conditions were clear and visibility was fine.He said it was too early to say exactly what had caused the collision. Weather conditions were clear and visibility was fine.
"Aircraft do collide," said Mr Atkinson. "Mid-air collisions are mercifully very rare, a great deal of general aviation is done on the principle that the pilot keeps a good look-out.""Aircraft do collide," said Mr Atkinson. "Mid-air collisions are mercifully very rare, a great deal of general aviation is done on the principle that the pilot keeps a good look-out."
He also confirmed the planes were on private leisure flights and neither was being directed by air traffic control.He also confirmed the planes were on private leisure flights and neither was being directed by air traffic control.
Staffordshire Police said they were called to the field off Lea Lane in Admaston where the plane, a two-seater Luscombe Silvaire, came down, around 25 miles away from East Midlands Airport.Staffordshire Police said they were called to the field off Lea Lane in Admaston where the plane, a two-seater Luscombe Silvaire, came down, around 25 miles away from East Midlands Airport.
'Bodies seen''Bodies seen'
A farmer who spotted the wreckage said the plane had caught fire and he alerted the emergency services.A farmer who spotted the wreckage said the plane had caught fire and he alerted the emergency services.
Michael Sargeant, the 64-year-old owner of Rectory Farm, said: "I saw smoke down my field. I went down in a Land Rover, I pulled right up to it. The plane was burning but almost burned out.Michael Sargeant, the 64-year-old owner of Rectory Farm, said: "I saw smoke down my field. I went down in a Land Rover, I pulled right up to it. The plane was burning but almost burned out.
"I could see bodies there but I could see there was nothing I could do. I came straight back and rang 999.""I could see bodies there but I could see there was nothing I could do. I came straight back and rang 999."
In a statement the West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "The service despatched a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer, a doctor, an ambulance and a team of community first responders to the scene immediately.In a statement the West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "The service despatched a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer, a doctor, an ambulance and a team of community first responders to the scene immediately.
"On arrival, two people were confirmed deceased at the scene by ambulance service staff."On arrival, two people were confirmed deceased at the scene by ambulance service staff.
"The identities of the two people have not been revealed.""The identities of the two people have not been revealed."
The aircraft was not immediately thought to have been badly damaged in the landing and the three people on board were being checked over by medics, added the spokeswoman. The other aircraft was not immediately thought to have been badly damaged in the landing and the three people on board were being checked over by medics, added the spokeswoman.
The runway was closed after the emergency landing.The runway was closed after the emergency landing.
Nine flights were diverted to Birmingham International Airport and two were cancelled while the runway was closed. It re-opened shortly after 1500 GMT.Nine flights were diverted to Birmingham International Airport and two were cancelled while the runway was closed. It re-opened shortly after 1500 GMT.