A family tragically killed in an horrific plane crash last December died after the pilot became "disorientated" in thick fog.

Michael Kreisky, 56, his son Tom, 21, daughter Clare, 23, his son's girlfriend Clare Gale-Hasslam, 21, all of Eastern Road, East Finchley, died when their private plane hit a factory in Hampshire exploding into a fireball.

The Beech King 200 plane was owned by Michael's millionaire brother, television motorsport tycoon Brian Kreisky. He was flying all five of them away to enjoy a Christmas break in Majorca on December 23 last year after taking off from Blackbushe Airport near Fleet.

Accident investigators told Alton Magistrates Court that one of the plane's propellers suffered a decrease in rotation seconds after take-off, causing the plane to veer left and this would have "distracted" Mr Kreisky, a famous motor sport promoter.

"It was a distraction when all his concentration was needed to conduct a safe take-off," said an accident investigator.

Off duty Detective Constable Robin Gavin, told the court: "It was extremely foggy. The visibility was 150 yards.

"I heard the engine and commented to my wife that it was straining. It surprised me that a plane was flying in those conditions."

The court heard how the plane was carrying just under 1,000 litres of fuel and travelling at 165mph, hitting the ground at a 60 degree angle.

More than 100 firefighters tackled the blaze.

All members of the family had to be identified by dental records.

The coroner recorded verdicts of accidental death.

November 28, 2001 15:04