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14/04/2016
Heart Problem May Have Caused Plane Crash In Co Down
An aircraft pilot who died in a crash at an airfield in Co Down last year may have been incapacitated by a heart problem, according to accident investigators.
Stephen McKnight, 55, from Hillsborough was practising circuits in a light aircraft in Newtownards on 07 April 2015 when the accident happened.
The report, by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), found that the two-seater microlight rolled left shortly after becoming airborne following a touch-and-go landing.
After reaching 80-100 feet its nose dropped and the plane struck grass to the left of the runway.
A state pathologist for Northern Ireland found that Mr McKnight had died from as a result of chest injuries.
A review by the Royal Aviation Air Force pathologist found that he had a "considerably large heart" for a man his height and weight.
Toxicology tests found no evidence of alcohol or drugs.
Mr McKnight had 89 hours of flying experience and was carrying out conversion training on CT2K and C42 microlights.
Pic: Pacemaker
(CD)
Stephen McKnight, 55, from Hillsborough was practising circuits in a light aircraft in Newtownards on 07 April 2015 when the accident happened.
The report, by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), found that the two-seater microlight rolled left shortly after becoming airborne following a touch-and-go landing.
After reaching 80-100 feet its nose dropped and the plane struck grass to the left of the runway.
A state pathologist for Northern Ireland found that Mr McKnight had died from as a result of chest injuries.
A review by the Royal Aviation Air Force pathologist found that he had a "considerably large heart" for a man his height and weight.
Toxicology tests found no evidence of alcohol or drugs.
Mr McKnight had 89 hours of flying experience and was carrying out conversion training on CT2K and C42 microlights.
Pic: Pacemaker
(CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
