Two People Killed In Incident

The investigation into a stunt plane crash in Essex in which two people were killed needs to provide some clarity over the events leading up to the incident, an aviation law expert at Irwin Mitchell has urged.

Two men, including 33-year-old RAF pilot Flt Lt Simon Hulme, were fatally injured when the Russian-built Yakovlev Yak 52 light aircraft came down in a lake near Maldon at the end of April.

While the Air Accidents Investigation Bureau is continuing to assess the circumstances which led to the crash, reports have suggested that the plane – which was involved in exercises with two other planes – clipped a tree before the crash.

Irwin Mitchell’s Aviation Law team represent the families of a number of people who have been seriously or fatally injured in air accidents both in the UK and abroad.

Jim Morris, a former RAF pilot and Partner in the Irwin Mitchell Aviation Law practice, said it was vital that as much information as possible is put together on the crash.

He outlined: “While only a handful of details have so far been confirmed in relation to this crash, it is clear there are a number of questions that need to be answered in relation to how it happened.

“The key area of concern will be how the plane came to strike the tree as has been reported. Reports indicate that the aircraft had been flying in formation with other aircraft so it is crucial to determine whether a collision/clipping of wings caused loss of control or whether some other factor was involved, such as a problem with the aircraft or its engine.

“It is vital that all safety issues are identified so that important lessons can be learnt to ensure that similar accidents do not occur in the future.

“There has been a tragic loss of life and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the men who sadly died in the crash.”