Shoreham air crash: Moment plane hits the ground

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The Piper PA-28 aircraft plunged into the sea one hour into its flight, after taking off from Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield, near Stratford-upon-Avon. The 46-year-old plane was part of a group of aircraft heading to the northern French resort of Le Touquet on a day trip. A rescue operation was launched within minutes of the plane disappearing from radar screens.

However, the search for survivors was called off on Saturday evening, before resuming on Sunday morning.

A spokesman for the French emergency services said: “It crashed into British waters for an unknown reason.

“British Coastguard launched an operation supported by French aircraft and boats including the Abeille-Languedoc (Languedoc Bee) tug, which has been chartered by the French Navy.”

The private jet is owned by flying instructor Guy Wakeley, 51, who is also a well-known financial services boss.

Mr Wakeley is a member of the instructing and examining team at the South Warwickshire Flying School, which is based at Wellesbourne.

Ray Stock, head of training at the flying school, on Sunday refused to discuss who was on board the plane at the time of the crash.

Flight records show that the plane left Wellesbourne at 7.56am on Saturday and disappeared from radar over the Channel at 9.02am.

It comes as British holiday makers continued to be caught in travel chaos over the weekend, as the great Easter getaway got underway in earnest.

Thousands of holidaymakers were left deeply frustrated for a third day, as they were yet again confronted with huge queues at their points of departure.

Travellers said on Sunday they had to wait three hours to check in their luggage at both Manchester and Heathrow airports this morning.

The delays are being partly blamed on staff shortages, as some tourists were forced to sit for up to one hour on planes before taking off.

One person wrote on Twitter: “#manchesterairport 3+ hrs queues at check-in and security with no toilets or ventilation.

“Queuing lanes too dense and close together. A young girl passed out in the queue.

“We are not cattle!! @manairport take responsibility and sort it out!”

The holiday exodus began on Friday, as people headed to the borders in search of some well-earned relaxation.

However, travellers were confronted by hellish scenes of chaos and disorganisation.

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A video posted to social media on Friday showed a packed-out security hall at Manchester airport with people desperately trying to get through.

Staff looked overwhelmed by the tidal wave of tourists attempting to board their planes.

Jane Gilham posted a video of the chaotic scenes to her Twitter account.

She wrote: “@manairport you are an absolute disgrace! It was dangerous today, people will get hurt if you do not improve things.”

June van Hecke called on Manchester’s mayor to get involved and sort the problem out.

She said: “@ManchesterAirp my son has queued for 5 hours at Manchester airport he has an 8-year-old and a 5-year-old. He tells me people are passing out in the queues @AndyBurnhamGM. Please please retweet and do something.”

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