A 16-year-old boy and an 80-year-old man have died following a light aircraft crash near Loch Lomond in Scotland. Emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a collision north-east of the Stirling village of Drymen at approximately 4.45pm on Friday. Authorities confirmed that both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene and that their next of kin have been informed.
In the wake of the tragedy, temporary airspace restrictions were enacted around the area, barring unauthorized flights and drones. Police Scotland notified the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, and investigations were launched to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. Officials noted that the airspace restrictions would likely remain active for an extended period to allow investigators to thoroughly examine the site.
Flight-tracking records indicate that the Piper Tomahawk II aircraft departed from Glasgow airport on Friday afternoon at 4.17pm. Data shows the plane circled in the area before descending north of Drymen, with its transponder signals stopping at 4.37pm. Earlier in the day, the same aircraft had completed a series of flights, including a morning departure from Cumbernauld airport, a trip to Glasgow, a journey north-east toward Newport-on-Tay, and a subsequent return to Glasgow before its final takeoff.
Gavin Birch-Williams, the managing director of Glasgow airport, expressed condolences following the crash, noting that the aircraft had departed from their facility and sharing heartfelt sympathies with the families and friends affected by the tragedy.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch confirmed that a team had traveled to the crash site north of Glasgow to gather evidence and conduct a safety investigation. Police also reminded the public that entering the designated restricted airspace during the ongoing inquiries constitutes a criminal offense.