A man who died after the light aircraft he was flying in crashed in an Essex field on Saturday has been named.

Simon Chamberlain, a married father-of-one from Harlow, died when the YAK 52 crashed into a field off the A414 near Cooksmill Green, between Ongar and Writtle, where it burst into flames.

Mr Chamberlain and the as-yet unidentified pilot, were the only two people in the plane and both pronounced dead at the scene.

Yesterday police said they were not in a position to name the pilot, who is from Essex

Mr Chamberlain’s family has paid tribute to the 29-year-old, who was a keen flier.

“Lizzie, his wife, has lost her best friend and soul mate,” a statement said.

“His son, Charlie, who will be two years old in August, has lost his father. And his parents, Paul and Steph, have lost a loving son.

“We love him more than anything in the world.

“Our hearts go out to the other person involved in this tragedy.”

The crash happened shortly before 3pm - soon after the plane had taken off from North Weald airfield.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch is investigating.

 

See a video here: