Killed in air crash (From Barry And District News)

Killed in air crash

A BARRY man was killed in a air crash after his wife bought him flying lessons as a present, an inquest has heard.

Father of two Kevin Mansbridge, 49, and his best friend Gerald Prangley, 57, both won their wings with pilot's licences after enjoying their gift lessons. But the pair were just 12 minutes into the pleasure flight when they crashed into an electricity pylon in thick fog on a mountain.

The Bank Holiday tragedy devastated their local communities and left six children without a father.

On Thursday their widows told an inquest how both men took up flying as a hobby after learning to fly at the controls of a light aircraft.

Mr Mansbridge's wife Marie said: "I bought my husband flying lessons both for Christmas and our wedding anniversary.

"Both he and Mr Prangley then flew together many times and were experienced.

"When he left home he was in a really good mood and the weather was good." Mr Langley's widow Anne said she had also given her husband flying lessons as a birthday gift.

The crash at Mynydd Maen near Cwmbran, Gwent, was investigated by the Air Accident Investigation Branch of the Department of Transport. Investigator Keith Conradi said the pair had more than 500 hours flying experience - and the plane was fitted with dual controls. They had also rung ahead to check weather conditions.

He said: "In my opinion, there was something ahead of them they didn't like which made them turn. I would think it was probably bad weather in the valley.

"I suspect that cloud was covering the top of the mountain."

The inquest heard that both men died from multiple injuries in the crash. Gwent deputy coroner Wendy James said: "These were men who would not take risks. I have no doubt they were careful pilots who recognised their limitations." She recorded two verdicts of accidental death.