Pilot killed in aircraft crash in Waterford named

Sarah Slater

A father of two who was killed when his light aircraft crashed during an emergency landing in Waterford has been named.

Bircan Dokuzlar (48), who was originally from Turkey, died when he attempted to land the aircraft in a field close to Waterford Airport last Thursday at around 12:50pm.

The aircraft had taken off from Sligo and was heading for Beziers in France.

Emergency service units, including Coast Guard Rescue 117, attended the scene.

Air accident iInvestigators are continuing to examine what may have caused the crash. It is understood that Mr Dokuzlar turned the plane around off the south coast of Ireland and headed back towards Waterford Airport as he attempted an emergency landing.

It is understood the aircraft had been stored for several months in Sligo. The privately-owned Vulcanair P68C did not have a cockpit voice recorder due to its size.

A GoFundMe page set-up to help financially support his family which also paid tribute to Mr Dokuzlar “for his diligence, honesty and dedication.

“(He was) an honorable man who tirelessly worked for his family despite all hardships.”

A fundraising campaign has been set up to support his family after the tragic incident.

Kaan Demiroz, who set up the campaign added: “This sudden and devastating loss has left his family not only in deep grief but also facing the heavy burden of funeral, burial, international transportation, and the many needs the family now faces without him.

“This period is extremely challenging for the family, both financially and emotionally. All support collected will help lighten the Dokuzlar family’s burden during this difficult time and allow them to take a small breath of relief.”

To date the campaign has raised over €33,000.

There is an ongoing investigation into the crash, and aircraft investigators believe that weather conditions were not a factor.