Husband and wife died from impact trauma in Wales plane crash, inquest hears
Sheetal Swali and Ketan Swali, a husband and wife from Syston, Leicestershire, were killed when the light aircraft they were travelling in crashed at a remote location near Trawsfynydd, Gwynedd.
The couple, both in their 50s, were flying from Tatenhill Airport in Burton-upon-Trent to Caernarfon Airport in a Piper PA-28 aircraft hired from Sherwood Flying Club.
Concern was raised after the aircraft failed to arrive at Caernarfon as scheduled. Police were alerted shortly after 12:00 BST on Friday, prompting air and ground searches in the remote area.
The inquest in Caernarfon heard that the coastguard had also alerted North Wales Police following reports of a possible aircraft collision. The aircraft was eventually located, and both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
Assistant coroner Sarah Riley told the hearing that Home Office pathologist Dr Brian Rogers had provisionally identified the cause of death as major impact trauma.
Members of the couple’s family attended the inquest via video link.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. The inquest has been adjourned while the investigation continues.
The coroner expressed her deepest condolences to the couple’s family as the investigation continues.
