Lawrence ‘Mike’ Sumner Died In The Crash, Aged 66

The loved ones of an aviation enthusiast from Market Drayton who died in a microlight crash last year have urged that flight safety standards and guidance must be improved following the conclusion of an inquest into his death.

Lawrence Sumner, also known as Mike, died aged 66 on May 30th 2016 alongside friend Tony Crocombe when the RANS S6 Coyote II aircraft they were flying in came down in a field on the outskirts of Shifnal Airfield in Shropshire as it attempted to land.

A jury inquest held at Shrewsbury Coroners Court this week heard that Tony Crocombe, who was in control of the plane at the time of the crash, was flying too slowly and was incorrectly positioned as he attempted to approach the airfield, resulting in him losing control of the aircraft.

The court also heard that Mr Crocombe had around eight hours flight experience in this type of aircraft since purchasing it. During two flights with the previous owner, the owner had taken control when he became concerned about the aircraft’s speed when under Mr Crocombe’s control.

At the conclusion of the hearing into the incident before a jury, the verdict of misadventure was recorded in the case of Tony Crocombe and accidental death was recorded in respect of Mike Sumner. 

Following the crash, Mike’s widow Patricia and daughter Emma Roberts instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the case and help them gain answers regarding how he died.

Peter Lorence, the specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s London office who is representing them, said: 

Expert Opinion

“Our clients have faced an incredibly difficult year attempting to come to terms with their loss and their efforts have been made harder by the lack of clear answers regarding the incident.

“This inquest has shed important light on the facts related to the case. Will now continue to work with the family to ensure they receive the support they need.” Peter Lorence - Senior Associate Solicitor

Prior to the inquest, an Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) report was prepared in relation to the incident, with it outlining how the aircraft was observed to seemingly stall and enter a spin while repositioning for an approach to land on Runway 28 at Shifnal.

The report found that 16 Rans S6 accidents had been investigated in the UK by the AAIB since 1994. A review had been conducted by the Light Aircraft Association to gather data on the accidents in order to be able to investigate factors that might contribute to the aircraft’s accident rate.

Patricia Sumner, 67, added: “Not a day goes by when we do not think about Mike and the entire family misses him so much.

“The inquest has provided some important answers regarding the incident and while nothing will bring Mike back, we hope that lessons can be learned from his death to ensure no family has to suffer like we have. 

“We believe that with better training and guidance, accidents of this type can be avoided in the future and is of paramount importance that everything possible is be done to prevent this type of incident from happening again.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in air accident claims.