AN experienced pilot from Belper was one of two people who died in a plane crash near the M1, police have confirmed.
John Gill, 70, of Belper, and Alan Eaves, 76, from Selston, near Alfreton, were killed when their light aircraft came down near junction 26 of the motorway on Saturday.
Police said both were experienced pilots, flying recognised circuits, and were members of the local Merlin Flying Club.
A statement on the club's website confirmed the tragedy.
It read: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two valued members of Merlin Flying Club and our thoughts are with their families at this difficult time.
"The club is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation and we do not wish to comment further at this time.
"The airfield is closed and will remain so until a time we consider it appropriate to re-open."
Nottinghamshire police said the victims' families had asked for privacy.
A spokesman said: "Their relatives have been informed and are being supported during this difficult time. They have asked for the media to respect their privacy and allow them to grieve."
The Air Accident Investigation Branch is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
A post mortem examination, which took place on Tuesday, ruled out any possibility of a medical condition contributing to the crash.
Following the crash, eyewitnesses described seeing the light aircraft "in trouble" moments before.
Others said the plane had swerved to avoid the motorway seconds before.
They and other pilots later praised the pilot of the aircraft for steering away from the motorway and avoiding a much larger accident.
Damian Tew, 35, of Watnall was contacted by his friend who had witnessed the crash.
He said: "My friend rang me about five minutes after it happened because he was driving down the M1.
"He said he saw it come right up in the air, nose up, before crashing into the field.
"It must have been horrific."
The closest runway to the crash site is at Hucknall Aerodrome, operated by the Merlin Flying Club, off Blenheim Lane, Bulwell.
The land on which the aerodrome is located is owned by Rolls-Royce.
A spokesman from the company said: "Everyone at Rolls-Royce will be saddened to hear of this event."
The Derby Telegraph understands the plane was a Cessna, built in 1972, and belonged to the Merlin Flying Club.
