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The airplane which was involved in a fatal collision in Britain at the weekend with another light plane was registered in New Zealand.
The Pacific Aerospace 750XL - specially modified for carrying parachutists - had three people onboard, and managed to land safely at East Midlands Airport about 40km away.
But the Luscombe Silvaire also involved in the mid-air collision plunged to the ground from 1800 feet altitude, and crashed near Rugeley, Staffordshire, killing both occupants.
Air Accidents Investigation Branch senior investigator Tim Atkinson, said weather conditions were clear and visibility was fine, the Derby Evening Standard reported.
Richard Chamberlain, who heard the mayday call from the pilot of the New Zealand-registered plane, said the pilot reported he had hit something. "He didn't know what it was but said there was burning debris beneath him and he said he had lost part of his undercarriage."
The plane - which took off from the Lake District - was badly damaged and lost its left wheel. It came to rest on its left wing, causing the runway to be shut for two-and-a-half hours.
- NZPA
