Debris from plane crash may take weeks to recover

Police confirm pilot killed was male but are yet to name him

Some of the debris from a plane crash at Bradda Head this week won’t be recovered for some time.

Police say whilst they’ve been able to recover a ‘substantial’ amount there are several small fragments which have been more ‘challenging’ to reach.

This is due to the ‘inaccessible’ location in which they have come to rest following the incident in Port Erin on Monday (17 July).

Officers say they will attempt to remove them as and when they displace to areas which are more accessible but add they don’t pose a threat to the public or to local wildlife.

It’s now been confirmed that the pilot of the Cessna Centurion, who died in the incident, was male but the Isle of Man Constabulary has still not named him.

A multi-agency search operation has now concluded and the area around Bradda Head is now fully open to the public.  

Detective Inspector Neil Craig said: “Sadly, I can confirm that the body of a male, who we believe to be the pilot of the aircraft, has been recovered from the scene and I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to the gentleman’s family.

"At this time we do not believe anyone else to have been aboard the aircraft.

“Given the location of this incident the work which has been undertaken over a number of days at the scene has been an extremely challenging one for everyone involved and it is in this respect that I would like to extend my personal thanks and gratitude to all those who were involved, many of whom were volunteers. 

“The matter is now subject of an investigation on behalf of the Coroner of Inquests and as such no further information is being released at this time. 

“Whilst I appreciate that there may be a lot of public interest around what has happened I would respectfully request that people refrain from speculating as to what has happened, given this extremely distressing time for the gentleman’s family.” 

Restrictions in relation to the air and sea space will remain in place until 11pm tonight (20 July).