The mystery of a microlight seen to plunge into the chilly waters off the Angus coast this week has deepened with the emergence of new evidence and the admission of Tayside Police that they ”remain concerned” about the incident.
Despite extensive searches in the area just south of Montrose where Tuesday afternoon’s incident was reported, no trace of either pilot or light aircraft has been found.
However, fresh eye-witness evidence has emerged.
Lady Fiona Fraser, whose Carmyllie home is some 10 miles from the reported crash site in the North Sea off Usan, says she vividly remembers the unusual aircraft heading towards the coast.
”I had been out walking the dogs and was back home, but I heard it before I saw it,” said Lady Fraser. ”It came over from the south-west and was heading towards Lunan Bay, which we can see from our home.”
Lady Fraser continued: ”We haven’t had one of these flying over for a long time and because it was quite unusual I stood and looked at it.
”It was a lovely afternoon and I just thought that was such a nice thing to see. I didn’t see the pilot or the colour of the wing.
”We are on a kind of flight path here so we see a lot of aircraft, but it was very much lower than a light aircraft would normally be.
”Until I read The Courier it had gone out of my mind but it was heading in that direction at the right time. It is now sad that it may have ended in this way.”
The microlight’s trajectory would have put it directly on course for the coast near the Usan home of businessman Dave Pullar, who made the original call which led to the full-scale Tuesday afternoon search involving RNLI, coastguard, police and a search and rescue helicopter.
He was sitting in his kitchen when the drama unfolded and a resident strengthened Mr Pullar’s version of events, which has already been supported by the crew of a fishing boat who also raised the afternoon alarm.
”I was sitting on the other side of the kitchen table and saw it coming up the coast, but it then went north and I didn’t see it go into the water,” said the resident.
”David was at the other side of the table and raised the alarm when he saw what had happened.”
A senior Angus police officer said that despite inquiries so far proving fruitless, the Angus public and wider microlighting community could have a valuable part to play in solving the puzzle.
Since first receiving the call, Tayside Police have undertaken enquiries locally and nationally to try to establish if any people or aircraft are unaccounted for. Their investigations have included checking with police forces across the UK, as well as airports, flying clubs and associations.
As well as appealing for any eyewitnesses who have not already spoken with police to come forward, officers also want to hear from anyone who might know people who own this particular type of light aircraft.
Inspector Mark McInally said: ”As it stands just now, the incident is something of a mystery. Eyewitnesses are absolutely convinced by what they have seen and yet we have no reports of any missing people or aircraft that would corroborate those reports.
”Clearly, we remain concerned and are determined to establish exactly what may have happened. Anyone who knows someone whose interest or hobby involves flying should check their whereabouts.”
Inspector McInally added: ”Could it be the case that this was someone who had journeyed to the area alone on a short break or holiday to enjoy this type of pursuit and loved ones remain unaware that they are missing?
”We’re making every effort to get to the bottom of it. The Usan area is popular with walkers and we would appeal to anyone who was in the area on Tuesday, whether at 4pm, or earlier in the day and who saw anyone else in the area.”