Investigators are still probing the circumstances of the deaths of a pilot and his passenger in a light aircraft crash on the Queen's Sandringham Estate last year.

Eastern Daily Press: The roads were blocked in Wolferton by Police after a light aircraft crashed on the Royal Estate. Picture: Ian BurtThe roads were blocked in Wolferton by Police after a light aircraft crashed on the Royal Estate. Picture: Ian Burt

Retired company director Nigel Dodds, 58, from Market Lane in Dunston, Gateshead, was flying the four-seater Piper PA28 over the Norfolk coast before crashing on marshland at Wolferton, near King's Lynn, on September 11.

He was flying with former school worker Valerie Barnes, 73, from Hillcrest Drive in Gateshead, at the time.

Both died at the scene from multiple injuries due to an aviation crash, and were identified from dental records.

At a pre-inquest review into the deaths, area coroner for Norfolk said: 'We are apparently awaiting a report from the AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch).

Eastern Daily Press: Valerie Barnes, who died in a plane crash on the Queen's Sandringham Estate. Picture: COURTESY OF CHRONICLE LIVEValerie Barnes, who died in a plane crash on the Queen's Sandringham Estate. Picture: COURTESY OF CHRONICLE LIVE (Image: Archant)

'We are told it won't be until May.'

The inquest was adjourned for further review on May 31, 2018.