Police name two men killed in light aircraft crash

Two men who died following a light aircraft crash in North Yorkshire have been named by police.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance and other emergency services were called to the incident in Thorganby, between Selby and York, at around 09:50 BST on Sunday.

Matthew Bird, 21, from Spofforth, was the pilot of the light aircraft, and Oliver Dawes, 24, of Burley in Wharfedale, was the passenger, North Yorkshire Police said.

A spokesperson for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said: "We are aware of an incident south of York and have deployed a team to investigate."

In a statement, the family of Mr Bird said: "Yesterday we lost our son, a brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.

"Matthew meant so much to so many.

"We are utterly heartbroken, but he will live on in our hearts as we cherish the incredibly special memories he’s left us with."

Meanwhile, Mr Dawes' family said they had lost "a dearly loved son, cousin, nephew and friend".

In a statement, they said: "Oliver will continue to live on in our hearts and memories as the kind, generous, hardworking and fun man he had become.

"We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives, we are heartbroken."

Mr Dawes worked as a mechanic for Jet2, with the airline supporting staff after the "tragic news".

"We are deeply saddened by this news and would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to our colleague's family and friends at this very difficult time," said a Jet2 spokesperson.

"We would also like to offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the other person involved in this devastating incident."

The AAIB said it had sent a team to Thorganby to begin an investigation into "an accident involving a light aircraft which occurred on Sunday".

"Our inspectors are currently on-site gathering evidence and making enquiries," it added.

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