Shifnal aircraft crash: Man had only bought microlight a month earlier, inquest told
One of two men killed in a microlight crash in Shfnal had only bought the aircraft the month before. The Rans S6 Coyote II aircraft that crashed on May 30 had been built in 1992 and had several different owners.
But it was new to Tony Crocombe, who died along with Michael Sumner.
The inquests into the deaths of Mr Crocombe and Mr Sumner, both of Market Drayton in Shropshire, were opened by Coroner John Ellery.
The coroner was also told that the aircraft owned by Mr Crocombe had a valid permit to fly.
Coroner's officer Julie Hartridge told the opening, which took place at Shirehall, Shrewsbury, yesterday that police were the first informed that the crash had taken place.
She said: "At 4.59pm on May 30 police received a call from a witness who stated that 'a microlight has just tumbled out of the sky'."
Mrs Hartridge said that police, ambulance, and the fire service had been called to attend the crash but that both men had been confirmed dead at 5.14pm.
The inquest heard that the aircraft was a home-built kit variety which had been made in 1992 and bought by Mr Crocombe in April.
Mrs Hartridge said that as yet it had not been confirmed who was the pilot of the aircraft at the time of the crash.
She said: "The aircraft had dual controls so at this time it is unclear who was the pilot."
Mr Ellery heard that the aircraft had taken off from an airstrip at Market Drayton and was heading to Shifnal.
Mr Crocombe, who was born in Lancaster, was an aircraft engineer and Mr Sumner, was a records officer at Stoke Heath Prison.
Both men possessed current and valid fitness to fly certificates.
Mrs Hartridge said that a post mortem had identified the cause of death as multiple injuries for both Mr Crocombe and Mr Sumner. The opening was adjourned with the next hearing scheduled to take place on October 19 at Shirehall, Shrewsbury.
Investigations into the accident have also been launched by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.
Following the crash the wreckage was taken to Farnborough for examination.
A spokesman for the team looking into the crash has said the investigation may take months to reveal the cause.
In a tribute following the crash, Mr Sumner's family described the RAF veteran as a devoted grandfather.
A statement said: "Michael lived for flying and it was his life as well as his two grandchildren who he idolised. He died happy doing what he loved.
"We would like to thank all of the eye witnesses that took the trouble to help the emergency services and give statements to the police when they arrived.
"We would also like to thank our friends and neighbours for the support that they have given to us."
Lydia Santis, from Cobham Aviation Services where Mr Crocombe worked, described him as a well-respected and popular man.
He said: "Cobham were very sad to hear of Tony Crocombe's passing; our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."
