Air Accident Investigation Unit staff were last night undertaking a preliminary examination of the scene of yesterday's air crash which claimed two lives and injured seven at Aerport na Minna, Indreabhán, Connemara.
The crushed and mangled wreckage of the Cessna Grand Caravan was clearly visible on gorse and scrubland within metres of the airport building as emergency medical and fire brigade personnel worked feverishly to remove those on board.
Only three of the nine were able to scramble out of the aircraft, which had lost control and spun around on the ground at about 2.45pm yesterday.
Weather conditions were difficult, with west to northwest winds and poor visibility. Several residents living close to the Aer Arann airstrip about 20 miles from Galway city, which serves the Aran islands, said they saw nothing but heard a "loud bang".
Galway airport had diverted two flights to Shannon, due to the high winds and poor visibility.
A mobile medical team from University College Hospital Galway was dispatched to the scene by the HSE West, along with ambulances from Galway and Carraroe and the Galway fire brigade.
Two people were administered the last rites at the scene by local parish priest, Fr Colm Ó Ceannabháin.
The Irish Coast Guard's Shannon-based Sikorsky helicopter was involved in rescuing the crew of a yacht which had dismasted off the Aran islands when it got a call. Two Coast Guard helicopters then flew casualties to UCHG.
Fire brigade crew sprayed the wreckage with foam as there were fears it might ignite. Shortly after 5pm, it was confirmed that two people had died, one of seven casualties was critical and four were seriously injured.
It is understood that the Cessna is owned by David Courtney of Spain Courtney Doyle estate agents, who is also part of a financial syndicate with interests in the Shelbourne Hotel and Superquinn. Mr Courtney was not on board and was unavailable for comment yesterday.
Also on the plane were several Clifden-based business people, including Brian Hughes, son of Paul Hughes of the Abbeyglen Hotel.
Paul Hughes and Clifden solicitor JJ Mannion arrived at the airport within the hour, but were unable to talk to reporters - beyond stating that Brian Hughes was okay.
Supt Noel Kelly of Salthill Garda station said no names of those on board could be released until relatives had been contacted. All evening flights between Indreabhán and the Aran islands were cancelled as the airport was sealed off.
Supt Kelly said that the plane had travelled from Weston airport in Co Kildare yesterday morning, landing at Indreabhán before flying on to Inis Meáin. Seven passengers boarded at Indreabhán for Inis Meáin, where the party had lunch. It was on the return to Indreabhán that the Cessna appeared to miss the runway.
Supt Kelly said that three of those on board with less serious injuries were treated at the airport terminal building.
