Plane crash victim was celebrating finishing studies

One of two people killed in a plane crash in Essex had booked the flight to celebrate finishing university, the BBC has learned.

Indian student Vamshi Krishna Mandala, 25, was on a 30-minute flight experience that plummeted into a field in High Ongar at 12:30 BST on Tuesday.

The crash happened eight minutes after the two-seat Cessna light aircraft set off from nearby North Weald Airfield.

The family of Mandala, a masters student at the University of East London, told the BBC they felt "profound grief and deep anguish" about his death.

A spokesman for the Indian High Commission said: "We are in touch with the family of Vamshi Krishna Mandala and the British authorities, and we are coordinating with them.

"Our first priority is to assist the family in this case."

Essex Police said the families of both victims were "being supported by specially trained officers".

Investigators have been trying to piece together how the plane crashed.

Post-mortem examinations are due to take place on Monday, it is understood.

Mandala had been looking forward to surprising his parents in India in July, his uncle, Sai Kumar, said.

Mandala got on the doomed flight shortly after his friend completed a similar experience, which costs at least £125 for a 30-minute journey.

"It could've been a sudden plan where they thought they could complete this, maybe they were curious to see, experience what it could be," Kumar said.

"These guys like to explore. They would be itching to experience [this] when they're abroad."

Kumar paid tribute to his nephew as a "calm and composed" man who was a good role model for his two younger brothers.

Forensic teams ended their searches at the scene, off Mill Road, on Thursday and the wreckage was removed.

Mandala's family has called on the Indian High Commission in London to help provide answers over what happened.

As well as the surprise trip, Mandala had invited his parents to attend his upcoming graduation in London.

"We are all really emotional here in India. We can't take all the pain," added Kumar, who is hoping to get his nephew's body repatriated.

"It's very hard to believe he's no longer with us. The even more painful part is we're not able to see him.

"It happened so far from us that we're helpless."

The identity of the other person on the plane has not yet been made public.

Essex Police said its inquiries were ongoing and it would provide updates when it was possible.

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