The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identities of two men who died when a privately owned aircraft crashed near Vernon airport on July 7, 2012.

The deceased are James Langley, aged 59, from Kelowna and Karim Makalai, aged 53, from Port Moody.

The plane, a twin engine Piper PA-23 was owned and piloted by Mr. Langley. It crashed in nearby Marshall Field at approximately 13:02 hours, shortly after takeoff from Vernon airport.

No other persons were involved in the accident.

The BC Coroners Service, with the assistance of the RCMP and the Transportation Safety Board, is continuing to investigate these deaths.

The families of the deceased have been notified. On behalf of the families, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

The BC Coroners Service expresses its condolences to the families and friends of Mr. Langley and Mr. Makalai.

For further information, please contact:

Robert Fisher
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9326