An inquest has heard how three TT fans died when their plane stalled as it approached an airstrip in Northern Ireland.

The crash, in June last year, killed 54 year old pilot Hugh McKnight and 24-year-old passengers Stephen Annett and Andrew Burden.

The plane was returning from the TT but crashed as it came in to land near Kilkeel in County Down in poor weather.

Senior inspector at the Air Accident Investigation Branch Geraint Herbert said Mr McKnight had been flying higher than normal and with reduced power.

Mr Herbert told the hearing in Newry that the pilot had made a right turn to make his final approach to the airstrip on June 13.

But witnesses said they’d heard the engine splutter and stall before the aircraft plunged into the ground with a huge explosion.

Coroner John Leckey said all three victims had died from multiple injuries sustained during the accident.

He extended his sympathies to the families of the victims, who were in the courtroom for the inquest.