The two men on board the aircraft which crashed in Co Offaly today have been pronounced dead at the scene this evening.
The pilot was in his 30’s and the other man was in his 20’s.
Gardaí at Birr are continuing investiagtions into the circumstances of this crash after being notified at approximately 4.50pm today that all contact had been lost between Air Traffic Control and the aircraft.
A search commenced and at 6.30pm with the assistance of the Garda Air Support and other emergency services.
The wreckage of a Cessna Light Training Aircraft was subsequently discovered at Clonkelly Upper, Birr, Co Offaly.
Emergency services immediately attended the scene.
The Air Accident Investigation Unit (Dept of Transport) have been notified.