ISOBEL Squibb-Williams, 20, of Heath Road, Bladon, said: "I heard the engine struggling. He must have circled two or three times over the village.

"He really did seem to be trying to avoid the houses.

"The engine sounded in trouble, and he was going round in circles trying to find a way out."

A 33-year-old man, who did not wish to be named, said he heard the crash.

He said: "It was clear skies but he was circling round and round then I heard a pop.

"Shortly after there was an explosion and I could see smoke coming out of the field."