Please find a Press Statement from Delta Aviation issued last night. This statement provides the facts about the incident on 18 August. We hope this sets the record straight.

PRESS STATEMENT: ISSUED 18 AUGUST at 20:00

Delta Aviation confirms that one of its fleet of de Havilland Tiger Moth aircraft (G-ACDJ) was involved in an accident on 18 August 2005. The pilot and passenger onboard were airlifted to hospital but both subsequently died of their injuries.

The aircraft had been leased to a private individual as part of a long standing agreement with the Company and was being operated from White Waltham. The flight was being flown by an experienced PPL.

Delta Aviation cannot comment on the reason for the incident. As a professional flight experience operator it is not appropriate to speculate on the cause of the incident, particularly as the aeroplane was not being operated by our staff. As in all situations of this nature, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch is working to establish the facts surrounding the landing and Delta Aviation is working closely with the AAIB to provide background information on the aircraft. This investigation process has already begun.

Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the pilot and passenger at this difficult time. We have lost two fellow aviators who were as passionate about flying as we are.

We will not be issuing any further statement at this time.

Delta Aviation