13/10/2009

Air Corps Crash Deaths Probed

Two pilots have been killed during an air accident in the west of Ireland last night.

Two separate investigations are under way this morning into the collision, which resulted in the deaths of two Air Corps pilots during a training flight

The two men flying the aircraft crashed near the village of Cornamona in Connemara in poor weather conditions.

Rescue teams who reached the scene last night said the plane had crashed in exceptionally rough and rocky terrain.

Road and air accident investigators are expected to arrive this morning.

President Mary McAleese expressed "shock and sadness" over the incident, while Taoiseach Brian Cowen extended his sympathy to their families and to the Air Corps saying he too was shocked and saddened to learn of the accident.

The mountain valley where the accident took place was sealed off overnight and the bodies of the two pilots will not be removed from the crash scene until later today.

The Air Corps took this decision because the aircraft - a Pilatus PC-9 - has ejector seats, which contain explosive charges, and these will have to be removed by army ordinance experts.

(DW/KMcA)


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