2 Killed When Cessna Crashes in Essex Field During Short Flight Experience

By 12:30 p.m., authorities began receiving calls reporting that a small aircraft had gone down in a field off Mill Lane in Ongar.

Rudy Blalock

Published: 7/1/2026, 5:30:05 PM EDT

2 Killed When Cessna Crashes in Essex Field During Short Flight Experience — An ambulance sits outside the Accident and Emergency department of Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital in London on Jan. 3, 2018. (Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

A two-seat Cessna plane crashed into a field in Ongar, Essex, on Tuesday, killing both people on board shortly after it took off on what was described as a brief “flying experience” flight.

The plane had taken off from North Weald Airfield at midday Tuesday, June 30, but never returned, according to Essex Police. By 12:30 p.m., authorities began receiving calls reporting that a small aircraft had gone down in a field off Mill Lane in Ongar.

An image of the aircraft can be seen on North Weald Flight Training's website, where customers can book the trial experiences in the Cessna plane, with prices starting at £125 for a 30-minute flight and £235 for a 60 min flight, in a Cessna 150 or 152 two-seater.

Detective Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, confirmed Wednesday that neither passenger survived. "Sadly, we can now confirm that two people who were on board died," Cronin said in a video statement posted to social media. "Formal identification is yet to take place. Due to the nature of the incident, this is likely to be a complex process and one we will approach sensitively and compassionately."

Investigators worked through the night at the crash site. Detectives and forensic teams worked alongside the Air Accidents Investigation Branch. Cronin said authorities are also collaborating with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, North Weald Airport, and Epping Forest District Council as part of the joint effort to recreate a timeline of events.

"Our focus is to establish what happened and give their families the answers they need, while ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect," Cronin said. "Their families will be supported, and our thoughts are with them."

Witnesses who called emergency services following the crash have already spoken with investigators, and Cronin thanked them publicly for their assistance. He also urged anyone with additional information—including CCTV footage or dashcam video—to contact Essex Police by calling 101 or through the force's website, referencing incident 600 of June 30.

Cronin acknowledged the disruption the ongoing investigation may cause nearby residents and businesses. "I would also like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding as we work quickly to establish the facts and make the location safe," he said. Investigators are expected to remain at Mill Lane in the coming days as the investigation continues.

The crash drew an outpouring of concern from the local community. St. Mary's Church in the nearby village of High Ongar called on residents to come together in the wake of the tragedy. "We are aware of the incident involving a light aircraft near High Ongar today," the church wrote in a Facebook post. "Please join us in praying for everyone involved, for the emergency services responding, and for all those in our local community who have been affected."

In a follow-up post, the church announced it would incorporate prayers for crash victims into its monthly prayer breakfast the following Saturday, and invited anyone shaken by the incident to attend its Sunday morning service at 10:30 a.m. "for prayer and quiet reflection.”

Essex Police said further updates will be issued as soon as they are able.