Police name men who died in Thorganby light aircraft crash

The families of two men who died in a plane crash in North Yorkshire have spoken of their heartbreak.

Pilot Matthew Bird, 21, and his 24-year-old passenger Oliver Dawes were in a two-seater light aircraft, which came down at Thorganby, near Selby, at around 9.50am on Sunday 28 July.

In a statement, Mr Bird's family said he "meant so much to so many".

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

Mr Dawes' family said he was a "dearly loved son, cousin, nephew and friend".

They added: "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 an engineer for airline Jet2 based at Leeds Bradford Airport.

In a statement the company said: "We are deeply saddened by this news and would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to our colleagues’ family and friends at this very difficult time.

"We are working to support colleagues affected by this tragic news. We would also like to offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the other person involved in this devastating incident."

Investigations into the circumstances of the incident continued on Monday.

The Air Accident Investigations Branch has confirmed it is investigating.

Selby MP Keir Mather said he was "incredibly saddened by the news coming out of Thorganby".

He said in a statement: "My heart goes out to the two men who lost their lives, as well as their loved ones at this awful time.

"Thank you to the emergency service workers who attended, and are still on the scene."

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