13 August 2026 , 17:27
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A criminal investigation has been launched into the deaths of two people after an experience flight crashed into a field in Essex.
Indian student Vamshi Mandala, 25, chartered the flight to celebrate finishing university. It was piloted by Dylan Patel, 26.
The two-seat Cessna crashed over farm land in High Ongar on June 30. It was carrying out a 30-minute trip.
The plane came down near Mill Road just eight minutes after it had taken off from North Weald Airfield shortly before 12.30pm.
Essex Coroner’s Court heard today that both men died at the scene from multiple injuries.
Lincoln Brookes, the senior coroner for Essex, said: "This is a real tragedy and the unexpected deaths of both of these young men in such traumatic circumstances can only be described as truly disturbing."
The coroner also revealed that Essex Police had asked for proceedings to be suspended "pending the outcome of a police investigation".
He warned their families that this process could take "considerable amount of time", thus a date for a full inquest could not be set. "I’m sure their passing has left a huge hole in your lives. I offer my deepest condolences to you all," Brookes said.
Members of the public called police when they saw the plane coming down. Officer identified the pair using DNA and fingerprints.
"An ambulance was called and paramedics confirmed death at the scene," coroner’s officer Debbie Wallace said at the inquest opening.
Flight tracking data showed the aircraft had been flown twice already that day. Mandala’s friend was on one of the trips.
The flight experience cost at least £125 for a 30-minute journey. It also offered customers supervised access to the plane’s dual controls.
Deputy Editor