ONE of the people who died after lightweight a plane he was travelling in plunged into a field near Writtle yesterday (March 29) has been identified reports The Brentwood Gazette.

Simon Chamberlain, from Harlow, died in the crash, which happened in an area adjacent to the A414 shortly before 3pm. He has not been formally identified and it has not been confirmed whether he was the pilot or passenger on board the YAK 52.

Simon leaves behind a wife and child.

Paying tribute on Facebook, Karen Anya Williams said: “Sympathy to all. Simon used to entertain our daughter when she was young. Such a tragic accident.”

Chris Ford added: “Just found out who it was. Simon – lovely guy. Thinking of family.”

The identity of another man on board remains undisclosed at this stage.

Simon was believed to be a keen flyer and regular at North Weald Airfield, from where the plane took off.

Several onlookers described seeing the light aircraft perform a somersault-like manoeuvure before the crash.

Investigators from the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) are still investigating.