An 80-year-old flying instructor has died along with his 16-year-old student in a light aircraft crash in hills near Loch Lomond.
Ian Haggis, affectionately known as ‘the Flying Haggis’, was in charge of a 1981 Piper Tomahawk – registration GLFSU – when it came down in a field north of Drymen in Stirlingshire on Friday afternoon.
According to the Plane Finder mapping service, the two-seater aircraft took off from Cumbernauld Airport in Lanarkshire on Friday morning then headed west on a route over the Trossachs.
It later landed at Glasgow Airport before embarking on the doomed flight towards Loch Lomond and the Drymen area.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch began a probe yesterday while the wreckage of the aircraft remained in a field in rugged terrain three miles north of Drymen.
The crash site was cordoned off by Police Scotland, who imposed flight restrictions in the area to prevent anyone flying drones. A tarpaulin was draped over the canopy.
Veteran instructor Ian Haggis died in the plane crash
The plane came down in a field near Drymen, Stirlingshire
Nothing is known about the trainee pilot, other than it was a boy aged 16 who may have been taking a flying lesson during the half-term holidays.
An aviation industry insider said: ‘I’ve known Ian for a long time, he’s a lovely man.
‘Very generous, and passionate about flying, always wanting to help others learn. This is such a tragedy and I’m still in shock.’
A previous company that Mr Haggis worked for described him on its website as an experienced commercial pilot.
It states: ‘Ian has had an interesting flying career to date, initially instructing RAF Scholarship students before moving on to become a commercial flight instructor.
‘He spent many years as an air taxi pilot – transporting passengers and freight, air ambulance and traffic “eye in the sky” before moving on to become a corporate pilot.’ The aircraft involved in the crash is registered to Leading Edge Flight Training Ltd, which has bases at Glasgow and Cumbernauld airports.
The 45-year-old Piper Tomahawk was bought from a Liverpool company in April.
Leading Edge Flight Training advertises training flights on its website, ranging in price from £142 to £469.
It states: ‘Welcome aboard this amazing trial flying lesson from Glasgow International Airport.
‘This experience offers the thrill of actually flying a light aircraft over Scotland! First, you will have a safety briefing and familiarisation of the aircraft. You’ll be advised of the options available for your route.
‘Then you are good to go on your flight. Onboard, your instructor will complete pre-flight checks, start the plane, taxi to the runway and take off.
‘Once in the air, the plane will climb to around 3,000 feet at around 120mph. You will be offered the opportunity to take the controls of the aircraft. Put it through manoeuvres such as cruising, climbing and banking, all under the safe supervision of your instructor.’
The 1981 Piper Tomahawk in which Mr Haggis and the 16-year-old were flying
It adds: ‘Depending on air traffic control restrictions and the duration of your flight, you may fly around the Glasgow City perimeter or alternatively, head west towards Greenock before heading north to Loch Lomond.
‘The aircraft’s panoramic windows allow you spectacular views around the world beneath you.
‘This trip is a great experience for those looking for an introduction to gaining a flying licence or simply an amazing flight!’
Leading Edge Flight Training’s sole director, Allan Falconer, was approached for comment. Meanwhile, even yesterday morning, some locals in Drymen were unaware of the tragedy that had happened in the hills above the town.
One dog walker said: ‘That is horrible news. I wondered why all the car parks on the hill were full and there were police vans around.’
In a statement, Police Scotland said: ‘At around 4.45pm on Friday, October 16, officers received a report of a light aircraft crash north-east of Drymen.
‘Emergency services attended and a 16-year-old male youth and an 80-year-old man were pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin are aware.
‘The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been informed, and enquiries are ongoing. Following the crash, temporary airspace restrictions are in place over the Drymen area.
‘These are likely to be in place for some time to allow AAIB to conduct investigations. Restrictions include drones. It is a criminal offence to fly in restricted airspace.’