Bodies recovered from scene of air crash

THE victims of a mid-air collision between a helicopter and a plane include three Britons and one Vietnamese national, police believe.

Officers, military personnel and air accident experts remain at the scene of the wreckage in woodland near Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire, yesterday as the families wait to formally identify their loved ones.

The bodies of all four men have been recovered from the scene and post-mortem examinations will take several days, Thames Valley Police said.

Superintendent Rebecca Mears said three of the families visited the site on Saturday, just a day after the accident at around midday on Friday.

She said: “Our thoughts remain with the families of the men who have tragically lost their lives.

“Specially-trained family liaison officers are continuing to offer their support to the families of the victims affected, three of whom we understand to be British nationals, one of whom is a Vietnamese national.

“Work will today focus on removing the aircraft from the scene which will be done with specialist support.”

Police have not confirmed the identities of the victims but colleagues named one pilot as Captain Mike Green, who died alongside his young student when their helicopter collided with the light aircraft.

Mr Green was a senior instructor with Helicopter Services, a firm which offers training flights and gift experiences from its base at Wycombe Air Park.

Captain Phil Croucher, who had known Mr Green for around 20 years after they had served in the Army together, said his death was a “sad loss”.