Two people have died after a light aircraft crashed near Belfast International Airport, police have confirmed

The Cessna plane was seen on fire near Nutts Corner, just under 3 miles (5km) from the major airfield.

It came down close to a wooded area, apparently in the vicinity of Loanends, shortly after midday on Thursday.

Belfast International tweeted it was not thought to have been heading to or from the airport.

Officials said a normal service was being run and its operations had not been affected.


We are operating as normal following an incident involving a light aircraft at Loanends 2/3 mls from Airport. The aircraft was not operating into or out of the airport. All further media enquiries should be addressed to @PoliceServiceNI — Belfast Airport (@belfastairport) April 19, 2018

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it was "attending the scene of a light aircraft on fire near Nutts Corner, Crumlin", adding that three appliances had been sent.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said: "The major incident was stood down at 12:49. Three ambulance crews and an air ambulance were deployed."

Officers later confirmed the deaths.

Superintendent Emma Bond said: "Emergency services received a report of a crash shortly after 12.30pm this afternoon.

"Cordons have been placed in the area surrounding the aircraft to maintain the integrity of the scene as the investigation continues.

Image: The plane came down two or three miles from Belfast International Airport. Pic: U105 Radio

"I would ask that the cordons are respected by all and directions from officers at the scene are heeded.

"We are not in a position to confirm the identity of the deceased at this time. We expect the scene to be held for some time as enquiries are carried out."

A spokesman for Belfast City Airport said it was not the start point or destination for the downed plane's flight.

An airfield in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, also said it was not involved in the flight.

It is thought the aircraft may have taken off from Newtownards Airfield, where the Ulster Flying Club is based, but the airfield said it would make no comment.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is sending a team to the crash site.