AN INVESTIGATION into the cause of a plane crash that left two people dead in Welshpool has started.
The twin-engine aircraft came down in a field on Long Mountain, near Welshpool, on Wednesday.
One of the dead has been named locally as Bob Jones, an experienced pilot who was founder and manager of nearby Mid Wales Airport.
"Investigators and technical experts are currently at the scene and investigations will continue throughout today and into tomorrow," said Det Chief Insp Greg Williams.
"We have appointed family liaison officers to the families concerned, and Her Majesty's coroner has been fully updated with regards to the circumstances.
"Inquiries to establish what's happened here are ongoing."
Mr Jones, who was also a farmer, founded and built Mid Wales Airport on his land.
Serving as a business airport and for general aviation, it was developed from a grass airstrip in 1990 to act as a base for companies operating aircraft in the area.
Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan has paid tribute to Bob Jones.
"I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the Welshpool air accident which has killed two individuals onboard," she said.
"This will be extremely distressing for the families of those involved and for surrounding communities and I am receiving regular updates as the situation unfolds."