Plane crash deaths 'accidental'

The plane crashed into a field near the M4 at Magor, Monmouthshire

Two flying enthusiasts were killed because a wing on their second-hand kit plane had not been fitted properly, an inquest in Newport heard.

William Mills, 66, from Glascoed near Pontypool, and Paul Sweeting, 33, from Caerphilly, died when their plane crashed into a field in Monmouthshire.

Air accident investigators discovered a hole to secure the right wing had been drilled in the wrong place.

Gwent coroner David Bowen recorded verdicts of accidental death.

A report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch said: "The right wing drag pin's mount had not been constructed in accordance with the aircraft's build manual.

"The mistake had caused the rear portion of the wing to become loose, increasing forces being placed on the craft and making the plane shake violently.

"The plane became uncontrollable and broke-up under the strain."

Pilot Mr Mills and his friend were flying from Bodmin Airfield in Cornwall to Newport when the tragedy happened on 1 June last year.

The inquest heard they were flying a second-hand Europa Classic plane, which is sold in kit form for £28,500.

Williams Mills, 66, was flying a second-hand plane sold in kit form

The plane had been constructed in 1996 and was bought by businessman Mr Mills in 2000.

He and Mr Sweeting, also an experienced pilot, were flying over south Wales when the plane's tail was seen moving rapidly up and down.

Witnesses reported seeing "an explosion without fire and smoke" then the plane disintegrating in the sky.

The plane plunged 500ft (165m) and crashed into a field near the M4 at Magor.

Gwent Coroner David Bowen said: "An examination revealed a hole had been drilled off-centre during construction of the aircraft.

"Over time, the hole distorted resulting in failure of the structure. Mr Mills would have had no inkling there was anything wrong with the aircraft.

"Neither of them would have dreamt of the hazard. There was no indication whatsoever.

"It is particularly tragic this should have resulted in the deaths of two enthusiastic fliers whose main concern was for their own safety and those around them."