The other plane involved in the accident on Saturday. It managed to land safely at Bembridge Airport. Picture by D. Taylor.
POLICE have revealed that the pair who died when their light aircraft plunged into woods at Havenstreet on Saturday were father and son.
While formal identification may not be possible for days, they said the families of the men who lost their lives had been informed.
The two who died in their four-seater Mooney M20B aicraft were Michael Willis, 73, of Green Lane, Stanmore, Middlesex, and his 42-year-old son, James Willis, from Hillingdon, London.
Their aircraft was thought to have been in collison with another while both were taking part in races in the run up to the Schneider Trophy being held at Bembridge Airport at the weekend.
Air Accident Investigation Branch teams continued to sift woodland today at Rowlands Wood, off Rowlands Lane, on the outskirts of Havenstreet.
Wreckage was said to be widespread.
The site was cordoned off by police overnight and the bodies of the pilot and navigator were only removed yesterday (Sunday).
Tim Wassell, chairman of the Royal Aeroclub Racing and Rally Association, organisers of the Schneider Trophy, said "Two planes were in collision over Havenstreet and both had two men on board.
"A four-seater touring aircraft was thought to have lost a wing and come down in woodland at Rowlands Woods.
"The second plane, a sports aircraft, was badly damaged but limped back to Bembridge Airport"
Mr Wassell said the two survivors on board the second aircraft had not sustained any broken bones or other injuries but both were extremely shocked by the accident and were taken to hospital as a precaution. They had both spoken to police.
Police renewed their appeal for photographs and video evidence of the mid-air collision between the two aircraft and can be contacted on 101 or 0845 045 4545.
• Did you witness the crash? Contact the County Press newsdesk 01983 522210 or email suep@iwcpmail.co.uk.
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk