A PLUME of black smoke reaching 100ft was spotted in the air after a fatal plane crash near Goodwood.

A 65-year-old and 58-year-old were killed in the incident just north of Goodwood Airfield, near Chichester, at around 4.30pm on Wednesday.

Another pilot that took off from the same airfield just before the plane involved in the crash said he estimated the aircraft took off at between 4.20pm and 4.30pm.

Shortly after I took off another plane took off, as I was coming into land I was told to land and other air traffic was told not to enter the airport air traffic zone,” he said.

“I could see black smoke reaching 100ft at the other side of the runway just outside the bounds of the airfield itself.”

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There was speculation among amateur pilots on social media that the crash may have been caused by the aircraft’s engine stalling just after take-off.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said in a statement on Wednesday: “Our team of inspectors remain on site in Goodwood and are continuing to investigate a fatal accident involving a light aircraft which crashed shortly after take-off.”

Officers and fire and ambulance crews arrived at 4.38pm.

Sussex Police said on Wednesday evening: “A 65-year-old man from Bulls Cross and a 58-year-old man from Gosport have sadly died following a light aircraft crash just north of Goodwood Airfield this afternoon.

“Officers are providing support to their families at this difficult time.”

A spokeswoman for Goodwood, the company that runs the airfield, said: “Sadly, there was an aircraft incident near the Goodwood Aerodrome yesterday afternoon and two people tragically died.

“Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this very difficult time.

“The Air Accidents Investigation Branch are conducting their investigation at the scene, which is ongoing.”