Vamshi Krishna Mandala, 25, was killed when the two-seat Cessna aircraft crashed into a field near Mill Lane in Ongar, Essex, at around 12.30pm on June 30. He had just completed his master's degree and booked the 30-minute flight experience as a celebration.
Victim identified after crash
The North Weald Airfield website states that the sessions allow participants to sit in the front seat and operate dual flight controls under the supervision of a certified flight instructor. The cost for the experience is £125. The identity of the other person on board has not been made public.
Mr Mandala's younger brother Nitesh said: 'Vamshi tragically lost his life in a fatal aircraft accident. He had recently completed his master's degree and was looking forward to beginning a new chapter of his life. To celebrate this milestone, he booked a 30-minute flight experience. What should have been a joyful and memorable day ended in an unimaginable tragedy.'
Family launches fundraiser for repatriation
A GoFundMe page has been set up with a target of £12,000 to repatriate Mr Mandala's body to India. Nitesh added: 'Our family is devastated by this sudden loss. No words can describe the pain of losing a loving son, brother, and friend so unexpectedly. While we continue to grieve, we are also facing the difficult and expensive process of bringing Vamshi's mortal remains back to India so that our family can perform his last rites according to our traditions and give him the farewell he deserves.'
Investigation ongoing
Detective Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin, of Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: 'I'd like to thank everyone involved in this complex investigative process and the local community for their understanding and support. We left the crash site having completed a meticulous three-day search. Two people who were on board the aircraft have been removed from the site. Although formal identification is yet to take place, our thoughts remain with the deceaseds' families who are being supported by specially trained officers at this difficult time.'
Disaster identification has been carried out using fingerprint technology and DNA. The aircraft has been dismantled and removed. Essex Police are asking for doorbell camera or dashcam footage to help explain the crash. The AAIB is conducting a parallel investigation.
