Fears for crew as Air Corps plane crashes in Co Galway

Two Air Corps members are feared dead tonight after their plane crashed on the Galway-Mayo border.

A statement issued by the Defence Forces confirmed that an Air Corps PC 9 two seater training

aircraft was reported missing in the area of Crumlin-East/Crumlin West, north of Lough Corrib.

The aircraft - carrying a flight instructor and cadet - were part of a flying training exercise of three aircraft that departed Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel at 5.45 pm.

The statement said the two other aircraft have safely returned to Galway airport. An Air Accident Investigation team from the Air Corps and Department of Transport have been dispatched.

Gardaí and emergency services are also at the scene.

The site of the crash site is approx five miles west of Cong, Co. Mayo. The stricken plane was reported flying low near the village before a loud bang was heard from a distance.

A spokeswoman from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said a local woman raised the alarm.

“It was one of three Air Corps aircraft in the area this afternoon,” the IAA spokeswoman said.

“At around 6pm a woman rang the air traffic control in Shannon to report that a plane had gone low overhead and that she heard a loud bang immediately after.”

Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea expressed his deep concern for the two Air Corps members.

“I am receiving regular updates from the chief of staff of the Defence Forces on the unfolding situation. My thoughts and prayers are with the two men and their families at this time,” he said.