An 80-year-old flying instructor named Ian Haggis and a 16-year-old student died when their light aircraft crashed near Loch Lomond in Scotland on Friday afternoon. The Piper Tomahawk II aircraft, registered as G-LFSU, lost radio contact with air traffic control shortly after departing Glasgow Airport. According to BBC News, emergency services attended the crash site in marshland near the village of Drymen, close to Stirling, where both occupants were pronounced dead.
The aircraft departed from Cumbernauld Airport at 11:46 and arrived at Glasgow Airport after a 15-minute flight. It remained on the ground until approximately 13:00, when it undertook a two-hour flight north-east to Newport-on-Tay before returning to Glasgow. The plane stayed at Glasgow Airport for just over an hour before taking off again at 16:17. Radio contact was lost at 16:37, and emergency services were called to the scene at around 16:45.
Who was the flying instructor?
Ian Haggis was a well-respected flying instructor who worked with Leading Edge Flight Training in Renfrew. Tributes posted on social media by former students described him as "a gentleman and an experienced aviator" and "a good friend". Previous posts on Leading Edge's Facebook page referred to him by the nickname "Flying Haggis" and documented his work with the flying school. The 16-year-old who died was his student, according to Metro.
What is the investigation status?
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a formal safety investigation into the crash. ITV News reported that the AAIB sent a team to the crash site to gather evidence, though no cause has yet been identified. Temporary airspace restrictions remain in place over the area while the investigation continues.
How has the aviation community responded?
Gavin Birch-Williams, managing director of Glasgow Airport, issued a statement expressing the airport's condolences. He said:
We are aware of an incident involving a light aircraft that departed from Glasgow Airport. This is a deeply tragic event, and the thoughts and heartfelt sympathies from all at Glasgow Airport are with the friends and families affected.BBC Scotland approached Leading Edge Flight Training for comment on the incident.
Key Facts
- The aircraft involved was a Piper Tomahawk II registered to Leading Edge Flight Training, with the registration G-LFSU
- The plane lost radio contact at 16:37 on Friday, a few miles north-east of Drymen near Stirling
- Both the 80-year-old instructor and his 16-year-old student were pronounced dead at the scene
- The AAIB is conducting a formal safety investigation with no cause yet determined
