Three men killed in a plane crash in the North last night were trying to land just miles from their homes, it emerged today.
The light aircraft came down in misty conditions in a field near the Co Down harbour town of Kilkeel, just after 9pm yesterday.
One man onboard was aged 53 while the other two were both aged 24.
It is understood they are all from the Annalong area of Co Down, about six miles away from the crash site, near the Belmont Road.
Air accident investigators will today try to find out what caused the plane to lose control.
It is understood the four-seat aircraft had taken off from the Isle of Man and was attempting to land on a privately-owned airstrip.
Stormont minister and Assembly member for the area Margaret Ritchie described the incident as a tragedy.
“This is a very sad and tragic occasion,” said the SDLP representative.
“While not yet knowing the full details or the individuals involved I would offer my heartfelt sympathies to their families.
“I would hope a full investigation is now carried out to see exactly how something like this could have happened.”
Ulster Unionist MLA for South Down John McAllister said the weather in the area had closed in and worsened rapidly during yesterday evening.
“This is an awful tragedy,” he said.
“My first thoughts are obviously with the families of those involved.
“We also must find out what went wrong and how this happened.”
Earlier this month two men escaped serious injury when a light aircraft crash landed in a field in Co Tyrone.
The pilot and passenger required hospital treatment when the plane came down close to Annaghquinn Road outside Pomeroy.