Running News Story

A heroic act by twins has saved the lives of four passengers after a plane crashed into an Army Firing Range at Bovington, but cost them their lives.

The Cessna 337 light aircraft was carrying four rookie parachutists on a charity jump, until a mechanical failure caused the plane to veer off course and plummet 500 feet to the firing range below.

Tragically, Pilot tony Sharman and his brother, Jump instructor Dennis remained aboard the plane, after ensuring the charity jumpers made a safe escape.

The plane took from Compton Avis earlier today, and came down at the firing range near Bere Regis at 1:05pm.

Tony and Dennis were former soldiers with over 3,500 jumps experience between them.

The parachutists all suffered shock and bruising, while Laura Cameron, 44, broke her leg.

Mr. McGrath, of Winchester, explained how as they readied for the jump, there was a large bang from the plane’s rear engine.

The plane then proceeded to spin as it fell, an experience he likens to “being in a washing machine on a spin cycle”.

As Tony Levelled the plane, Dennis pushed the women out one by one, opening their parachutes.

“The last thing I heard before I left the Plane was Tony Telling Dennis to save himself, but he refused and stayed on the plane with his Brother”, explains Mr. McGrath, adding, “We owe them our lives”.

The emergency services were immediately called to the scene, yet were faced with the task of making their way through the 12,000 acre site, on which 70,000 armour piercing rounds are fired every year. There was a danger that some had remained active.

Lieutenant Daltrey, based at the Firing Range, claimed he had never seen wreckage this bad from which people had escaped alive.

The plane was rented from the Dorset Parachute Club. Part owner “Big Mac” made it clear that the plane was in “tip top condition” and had only done 50,000 hours flying time, a relatively low amount.