Flight school speaks out after instructor and teen die in crash

The aircraft took off from Glasgow Airport at around 4.15pm before losing contact approximately 20 minutes later.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 4.45pm, where a 16-year-old boy and an 80-year-old man were pronounced dead.

(Image: PA/Craig Meighan)

Leading Edge Flight Training, the flying school whose aircraft was involved in the incident, issued a statement on Facebook:

"We are devastated by this tragic accident involving one of our aircraft and 2 close members of our Leading Edge family.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends and loved ones of those who lost their lives."

"Leading Edge Flight Training is assisting with the investigation and while it remains ongoing we are unable to say anything further at this time."

The victims have not been formally named, but the older man has been identified locally as Ian Haggis, a seasoned flight instructor.

Tributes have poured in for Ian, who was affectionately known as "The Flying Haggis."

Joseph Thompson described him as a "good friend and instructor."

Another tribute read: "Gutted and heartbroken on Aviation legend The Flying Haggis passing.

"Ian was a legend, a hero of aviation and flight instruction.

"Flying will never be the same without him."

The 16-year-old victim has not yet been named, but it is believed he may have been taking a flying lesson during the October school holidays.

(Image: Social media)

The aircraft, believed to be a Piper Tomahawk II, crashed into marshland in a remote area with limited road access.

A Police Scotland spokesman said:

"Around 4.45pm on Friday, 16 October, 2026, officers received a report of a light aircraft crash north east of Drymen.

"Emergency services attended and a 16-year-old male youth and a 80-year-old man were pronounced dead at the scene. Their next of kin are aware.

"The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been informed, and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances."

(Image: Craig Meighan/the Press Association)

Gavin Birch-Williams, managing director of Glasgow Airport, also offered his condolences.

He said: "We are aware of an incident involving a light aircraft that departed from Glasgow Airport.

"This is a deeply tragic event, and the thoughts and heartfelt sympathies from all at Glasgow Airport are with the friends and families affected."

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has begun an investigation into the crash.

A spokesman said: "An investigation has begun into an accident involving a light aircraft which occurred on October 16 2026.

"A team has travelled to the accident site near Drymen, north of Glasgow, to make inquiries and gather evidence as part of the process of conducting a safety investigation."

Following the incident, temporary airspace restrictions have been put in place over the Drymen area to support the investigation.

These restrictions include a ban on drone flights, and members of the public are being urged to check whether it is legal to fly in the area.

The AAIB is expected to remain at the scene for some time as investigators work to establish what happened.