An Oxford flying instructor died and his 19-year-old pupil was seriously injured when their plane crashed during a training flight.

Instructor Tom Dunn, 24, took off with his trainee in the dual-control Cessna 150 at Turweston airfield, near Brackley, between Buckingham and Banbury.

Following a short flight, the single-engine plane appeared to stall 200ft above the runway before crashing to the ground.

The instructor was declared dead at the scene and the student was airlifted to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital by Thames Valley Police helicopter. Both men are thought to be from the Oxford area.

Mr Dunn worked for Pilot Flight Training, a company based at Oxford Airport, Kidlington.

Tom Eagles, who owns Pilot Flight Training, said last night: "Tom was a lovely person and really loved flying. "For most pilots, flying isn't just a vocation, it's a way of life and that was certainly true in Tom's case.

"This is a tragic shame and I am stunned because these accidents don't normally happen."

The Department of Transport's accident investigation branch were today carrying out an inquiry.

It is understood Mr Dunn had more than 500 hours flying experience and had trained with Oxford Air Training School, which is also based at Oxford Airport.

Thames Valley Police said: "The plane has been covered and cordoned off to facilitate air accident investigators."

Turweston airfield is mainly used for light aircraft and gliders.

Story date: Friday 05 February

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