Two Air Corps crew missing in plane crash

Two Air Corps members were feared killed tonight after their plane crashed.

The aircraft went down near the Galway-Mayo border after 6pm during a training exercise.

It is understood the Pilatus PC-9 carrying two people had been on a routine exercise with two other planes when it went down.

A spokesman for the Defence Forces said: “I can confirm that an Air Corps aircraft is missing on the Galway-Mayo border, north of Lough Corrib.”

Air accident investigators from the Department of Transport were en route to the scene in Cornamona, Connemara.

Gardai and emergency services were also at the scene.

The stricken plane was reported flying low near the village before a loud bang was heard from a distance.

A spokeswoman from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said a local woman raised the alarm.

“It was one of three Air Corps aircraft in the area this afternoon,” the IAA spokeswoman said.

“At around 6pm a woman rang the air traffic control in Shannon to report that a plane had gone low overhead and that she heard a loud bang immediately after.”

The Defence Forces have eight Pilatus PC-9M aircraft.

The two seater turbo propeller planes are used mainly for training pilots and instructors and as close air support craft.

The Defence Forces said the plane was reported missing at 6.20pm in the Crumlin East-Crumlin West area five miles west of Cong.

An Air Corps flight instructor and a cadet were on board.

A spokesman said the aircraft was part of a three plane training exercise which left Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, west Dublin at 5.45pm.

The two other aircraft landed safely at Galway Airport.

Air Corps investigators have also been dispatched to the crash scene.

Defence Minister Willie O’Dea expressed his deep concern for the two Air Corps members.

“I am receiving regular updates from the chief of staff of the Defence Forces on the unfolding situation. My thoughts and prayers are with the two men and their families at this time,” he said.