Northern Ireland

My heart is broken says son of Co Antrim plane crash victim

Bryan Greenwood died alongside pilot Bob Farmbrough in the crash last Thursday
Bryan Greenwood died alongside pilot Bob Farmbrough in the crash last Thursday Bryan Greenwood died alongside pilot Bob Farmbrough in the crash last Thursday

A SON of one of the two men killed in a plane crash in Co Antrim has described how his "heart is broken" following his father's tragic death.

In a tribute to his father Brian, Karl Greenwood said he wished he "had got to say goodbye" as the investigation into the circumstances of the crash continued over the weekend.

Mr Greenwood from Larne, an aerial photographer and retired commercial airline pilot Bob Farmbrough died when the light aircraft they were travelling in came down and caught fire between Nutts Corner and Loanends on Thursday.

The small plane, believed to be a Cessna 152, is understood to have been rented from the Ulster Flying Club in Newtownards.

On Saturday, the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) and emergency services removed the wreckage of the aircraft from the field where it crashed to be taken to England for examination.

But the AIIB has appealed for information from witnesses "no matter how insignificant they think it may be".

It would like to hear from anyone who saw the plane at any time during its' flight from Newtownards Airfield until it crashed.

"Did you see the red and white light aircraft with the distinctive 152 on the tailplane, or did you perhaps film or photograph the plane?" a spokesperson said.

"If so, could you please contact the police as soon as possible and they will forward the information to the Air Accident Investigation Branch."

Mr Farmbrough (77), was originally from England, but lived in Carrickfergus. The retired commercial pilot, who was married with two children, had more than 40 years' experience, flying around the world.

He had worked for a number of airlines, including Inter European Airways; Airtours International Airways and British Regional Airlines.

Mr Greenwood ran his own aerial photography business in Larne and was well-known in the area. He is understood to have regularly made trips in Cessna aircrafts to carry out photography work.

In a statement released on Saturday, Rodney Pritchard from the Ulster Flying Club paid tribute to the two men.

"The directors, members and staff of the Ulster Flying Club regret the tragic death of our long-standing member Mr. Bob Farmbrough and friend Mr. Brian Greenwood," he said.

"Bob and Brian were well known around the club and their absence due to this horrific accident will be sadly missed.

"The directors, members and staff wish to extend to the Farmbrough and Greenwood families our deepest sympathies and prayers at this very sad time."

Former colleagues of Mr Farmbrough have been among to pay tribute to him online, with many describing him as a "true gentleman".

Flowers left at the scene where two people died in a light aircraft crash near Nutt's Corner. Picture by Alan Lewis/ PhotopressBelfast
Flowers left at the scene where two people died in a light aircraft crash near Nutt's Corner. Picture by Alan Lewis/ PhotopressBelfast Flowers left at the scene where two people died in a light aircraft crash near Nutt's Corner. Picture by Alan Lewis/ PhotopressBelfast
The Air Accident Investigation Branch and emergency services removed the wreckage of the Cessna 152 light aircraft from a field near Nutts Corner on Saturday.Picture by Alan Lewis/ PhotopressBelfast
The Air Accident Investigation Branch and emergency services removed the wreckage of the Cessna 152 light aircraft from a field near Nutts Corner on Saturday.Picture by Alan Lewis/ PhotopressBelfast The Air Accident Investigation Branch and emergency services removed the wreckage of the Cessna 152 light aircraft from a field near Nutts Corner on Saturday.Picture by Alan Lewis/ PhotopressBelfast
The Air Accident Investigation Branch and emergency services removed the wreckage of the Cessna 152 light aircraft from a field near Nutts Corner on Saturday.Picture by Alan Lewis/ PhotopressBelfast
The Air Accident Investigation Branch and emergency services removed the wreckage of the Cessna 152 light aircraft from a field near Nutts Corner on Saturday.Picture by Alan Lewis/ PhotopressBelfast The Air Accident Investigation Branch and emergency services removed the wreckage of the Cessna 152 light aircraft from a field near Nutts Corner on Saturday.Picture by Alan Lewis/ PhotopressBelfast