Pair killed in light aircraft race named as Michael and James Willis (From This is Hampshire)

Pair killed in light aircraft race named as Michael and James Willis

7:13pm Sunday 5th September 2010 in

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A father and son who died when their light aircraft collided in mid-air with another plane during an air race have been named.

Michael Willis, 73, and 42-year-old James Willis were in a four-seater Mooney M20B aircraft when it crashed with a sports aircraft over Havenstreet on the Isle of Wight just before the end of the race.

The Mooney M20B is understood to have broken up mid-air and plummeted into remote woodland just after 5pm on Saturday, killing the pair.

The sports aircraft, also carrying two men, suffered damage but limped safely back to Bembridge Airport with both its occupants escaping serious injury.

The identities of Mr Willis, from Green Lane, Stanmore, Middlesex, and his son, from The Dingle, Hillingdon, north London, were confirmed by race organisers.

A Hampshire Police spokeswoman said: "The families of these two men have been informed and are receiving support from Hampshire Constabulary officers."

The planes were among 19 aircraft taking part in Merlin Trophy races, the precursor for the main annual Schneider Trophy, which has been cancelled.

Tim Wassell, chairman of the Royal Aero Club Racing and Rally Association, organisers of the Schneider Trophy, said everyone was "numb" with shock.