Preliminary results of the investigation into a plane crash in Kilmovee last May in which a Galway man lost his life has found that damaged cylinders in the aircraft may have been the main cause of the crash.
The investigation is being conducted by the Air Accident Investigation Unit, who will issue their final report soon.
Markus Casey (51 ) of Dr Mannix Road, Salthill lost his life after the horror crash in May last year.
His aircraft took off from Ireland West Airport Knock at 3.35pm on May 11 for Weston Aerodrome.
Approximately seven minutes later the pilot reported vibration on the engine. He later reported limited power and being unable to hold altitude, he then attempted a forced landing in difficult terrain.
Witnesses described a labouring engine, which stopped, then restarted for a couple of seconds and stopped again some seconds prior to the noise of impact.
An on-site inspection of the wreckage did not exhibit signs of propeller rotation at impact.
A strip examination of the engine was later conducted at the AAIU facility at Gormanston, Co Meath, under the supervision of an AAIU inspector. This examination determined that the inlet valves in cylinders number two and number three were damaged, with radial cracking extending from the valve seat towards the stem.
The cause of this radial cracking has yet to be determined and further research is required.
