28-07-2025
AAIB says plane was 'performing aerobatics' before fatal Thorganby crash
A plane crash which killed the pilot and his passenger happened as the aircraft was "performing aerobatic manoeuvres", investigators have said.
Matthew Bird, 21, and his 24-year-old passenger Oliver Dawes were in a two-seater Cessna light aircraft, which came down at Thorganby, near Selby, North Yorkshire, on 28 July last year.
In an update on its inquiry, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch said the plane was flying north of Breighton Airfield when the accident happened.
A spokesperson said: "The aircraft was performing aerobatic manoeuvres north of Breighton Airfield.
"It entered a steep descent and struck the ground in a field near Thorganby. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured."
Its investigation is ongoing, and the final report will be published in due course, it said.
In a statement issued at the time, Mr Bird's family said he "meant so much to so many".
They added: "We are utterly heartbroken but he will live on in our hearts as we cherish the incredibly special memories he's left us with."
Mr Dawes' family said he was a "dearly loved son, cousin, nephew and friend".
They added: "Oliver will continue to live on in our hearts and memories as the kind, generous, hardworking and fun man he had become. We will miss him every day for the rest of our lives, we are heartbroken.'
