Plane Crash in London Kills 5

Filed in archive Aviation News on March 31, 2008

A small plane crashed in Farnborough, Kent, a few miles south London on Sunday, killing five people - all passengers onboard. According to an article on MSNBC, officials announced there were no survivors from the private plane that was headed to France. The plane also completely destroy a house on the ground.

"No survivors were found, but I can confirm that there were no people involved in the houses," said Jim Bascran, of the London fire department.

Police said they would not release any more information on the identities of the dead until their next of kin had been notified.

The private plane crashed into a house in Farnborough in Kent, just south of London, sometime after 2:30 p.m. local time, officials said. The neighborhood, Broadwater Gardens, lies near Biggin Hill Airport, about 12 miles from central London.

The small airport was an important Royal Air Force fighter station during World War II, but now serves private jets and helicopters.

Biggin Hill Airport said the plane, a Cessna Citation jet popular with business travelers, reported difficulties shortly after takeoff.

"The pilot made a call to say he was experiencing a problem and requested permission to land, but unfortunately crashed before reaching the airport," Biggin Hill said in a statement.