Pilot dies in car an hour after landing passenger plane

An hour after flying an Aer Lingus regional flight into Shannon, a pilot collapsed and died at the wheel of his car while driving home to Mallow, an inquest heard.

Denis Metcalfe, aged 25, of Copstown Cross, Mallow, was a first-officer employed by Stobart Air, which operated Aer Lingus regional services.

A verdict that Mr Metcalfe died from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome — also known as sudden adult death syndrome — was recorded yesterday by Limerick coroner, Dr Tony Casey.