Shifnal microlight crash: Inquest returns verdict of misadventure for pilot death
The death of a pilot who was killed when his microlight aircraft crashed in Shifnal was due to misadventure, an inquest jury ruled today.
Tony Crocombe was the pilot of the Rans S6 aircraft when it nosedived into a field off Shaw Lane, the jury concluded.
This afternoon, the jury reached a conclusion of misadventure for Mr Crocombe.
A conclusion of accidental death was given for Lawrence Michael Sumner, who was a passenger in the aircraft and also died in the crash.
Mr Crocombe, 64, of Kiln Bank Crescent, Market Drayton, Shropshire, and Mr Sumner, 66, of Quarry Bank Road, Market Drayton, died when the aircraft crashed just before 5pm on May 30 last year.
Both men suffered multiple injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
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Mr Sumner’s widow Patricia Sumner, 67, said this afternoon: “Not a day goes by when we do not think about Mike, and the entire family misses him so much.
“The inquest has provided some important answers regarding the incident and while nothing will bring Mike back, we hope that lessons can be learned from his death to ensure no family has to suffer like we have.
“We believe that with better training and guidance, accidents of this type can be avoided in the future and is of paramount importance that everything possible is be done to prevent this type of incident from happening again.”
Mr Crocombe’s widow Sonia said: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who has helped.
“It’s been an extremely traumatic time.
“We now as a family would like to be left alone to grieve.”
