AAIB Investigate Dorset Incident

Aviation experts at Irwin Mitchell have revealed their concerns over a biplane crash in Dorset over the weekend, after it was confirmed that a former Royal Marine died in the incident.

The pilot of the Tiger Moth and 26-year-old Orlando Rogers were both airlifted to hospital following the incident, which saw the aircraft come down at Witchampton on Sunday afternoon (May 15th).

However, it has been revealed that Mr Rogers has since died from the injuries he sustained in the crash.

It is thought that 30 firefighters attended the scene following the incident, while Dorset Police have confirmed that the Air Accidents Investigation Branch is now set to consider what happened.

Irwin Mitchell’s Aviation Law team represents the families of a number of people who have been seriously injured in air accidents both in the UK and abroad, as well as the families of those who have sadly been killed in such incidents.

Jim Morris, a former RAF pilot and Partner in the Irwin Mitchell Aviation Law practice, said news of the crash was very concerning and called for information to be gathered on it as soon as possible.

He explained: “There are a number of questions which need to be addressed in relation to this crash, including the reports that the biplane may have been performing aerobatics before it came down.

“It is vital that answers can be provided for the sake of the families of both of the men involved.  All safety issues need to be carefully considered by the authorities, especially whether this old aircraft suffered a structural failure.  This will help ensure that lessons can be learnt which will hopefully prevent further, similar incidents from occurring to vintage aircraft in the future.”

“There has been a tragic loss of life and serious injury - our thoughts are with the family and friends of the Mr Rogers and the pilot.”