A man watched in horror as his teenage son was killed in a crash on just his second solo flight.

The 16-year-old student pilot, a member of Seawing Flying Club, at Southend Airport, was flying solo circuits in a single-engine Cessna when the plane nose-dived into Eastwood Park, Eastwood, at 4.30pm yesterday.

It is believed the boy, from Hornchurch, died instantly.

His father was watching from the airport as his son took off in an effort to build up more solo hours.

Members of Seawing Flying Club were shocked by the death of an "accomplished student", who had already been given 15 hours' training.

Club chairman Ian Chandler said it was the first death the club had experienced in 30 years of flying.

He said: "Our thoughts are with the family and we offer them our sincere condolences.

"His father was at the airport when it happened. It was very distressing for him and for everyone at the club."

Eyewitnesses said they heard a loud noise and saw the plane flying low over nearby Beaver Tower on its way back to the airport.

People living close by heard the noise and came outside to see what was happening.

Mark Wilson, 44, from Eastwood, said: "The plane was coming from a north north-east direction and I saw it pass Beaver Tower.

"The noise it made was quite incredible. People were coming out to see what it was."

Mr Wilson added: "I phoned the police as soon as I saw it doing a nosedive. My legs were trembling."

The plane crashed in the park near a bowling green, where bowlers watched in horror.

An off-duty ambulance crew member was nearby and went to see if the pilot could be saved, but discovered he was seriously injured in the crushed wreckage.

Paramedics arrived moments later and, despite the smell of fuel, checked the pilot for signs of life.

The teenager, whose name has not been released, was declared dead at the scene.

An investigator from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch arrived at the scene last night.

A report will be issued on what may have caused the tragedy, but is unlikely to be published for several months.

Other members of Southend's flying community were shocked by the death of the young pilot.

One man, who asked not to be named, said it was believed the plane stalled on its return, perhaps due to slow speed, and spun to the ground.

He said there would have been little the pilot could have done to save himself.

Southend Fire Station commander Martyn Hodder said the plane came down in a small field surrounded by a built-up area.

He said: "Residents in the area have been extremely fortunate that the pilot has brought the plane down here.

"The area has tower blocks behind it and an industrial estate. The risks in such an area are tremendous."