TWO people are feared dead after a microlight aircraft crashed into the sea off the County Antrim coast shortly after leaving City of Derry Airport.
Searches for the two occupants continued late into last night after debris from the stricken light aircraft was found near Glenarm.
The aircraft was one of two which left City of Derry shortly before noon on Thursday. It is believed the two planes were en route for Stranraer. While one of the plans arrived on time, the other aircraft was reported missing.
A land search operation was launched on both the Irish and Scottish coasts as well as a sea search and rescue operation. Coastguard helicopters were joined by RNLI teams from Larne and Red Bay while merchant ships and leisure craft in the area also joined the operation.
The Coastguard confirmed that debris found a short distance from the Antrim coast around 4pm yesterday belonged to the missing aircraft.
A spokeswoman said: “A yacht, which had responded to the Mayday relay broadcast and joined the search efforts, located the debris north of Glenarm, Northern Ireland. It has been confirmed as belonging to the microlight aircraft that went missing yesterday (Thursday).”
While the identity of the two occupants of the microlight aircraft has not been revealed, police have confirmed they are providing support to their families.
The cause of the crash won’t be known until a full investigation is carried out by Air Accident Investigation authorities. However, one theory being examined is the possibility the aircraft got into difficulties in heavy fog around the Antrim coast on Thursday.
While there was little wind, the search and rescue operation had to be suspended briefly overnight on Thursday because of the fog.
Red Bay lifeboat spokesman, Andrew McAllister said crews were still treating the operation as a rescue and were working around the clock in the hope of locating the two aircraft occupants.
Mr McAllister said: “They (lifeboat) crews are focused on their job. They have radar and other electronic devices and are using their expertise and training in the area.”
Sean McCarry of the Community Rescue Service Northern Ireland said up to 30 people were involved in the operation at its height.
“We’re only 24 hours in so we are still treating this very much as a rescue operation until we hear otherwise,” Mr McCarry said.
Last night new mayor of Derry, Hilary McClintock said she was concerned to hear that debris from the missing plane had been found.
“Like everyone in the city, our prayers are with the families of the missing people, particularly as they recently departed from our local airport.
“I am still hoping and praying that the rescue operation can have a successful outcome,” Mrs McClintock said.
Originally developed from hang-gliders, microlight aeroplanes weigh around 265kg and are restricted to carrying two people. Capable of speeds up to 100 miles per hour, they can travel long distances but are usually used over shorter areas.
