Tragedy struck yesterday as experienced pilot Howard Cox crashed his private aircraft in a field north of the Dungarvan area near the coast in Co. Waterford yesterday around 6.45pm.
Local reports say that he was attempting to land near the beach when the crash occurred.
Mr. Cox, a married father-of-one from Devon, England was a frequent visitor to Ireland and was set to take part in the Foynes Air Show this Sunday. He was on the way to Shannon in his private BD5 when the accident happened.
It is reported that he was aware of technical problems before the crash (believed to be a fire on board) and made mayday calls to air traffic control in Shannon Airport before the accident.
The coast guard and local authorities were on site shortly after the accident. Mr. Cox’s remains were brought immediately to Waterford Regional Hospital for a post-mortem investigation.
The Air Accident Investigation Unit was dispatched at 9.00pm Saturday night to study and collect the wreckage which covered an area of over an acre. Their investigation continues today.
Organisers of the Foynes Air Show have decided to proceed with the Sunday show, “and dedicate the event to our colleagues memory”.