Family of Cork air disaster survivor from Larne give thanks on tragedy's five year anniversary

Lawrence Wilson from Larne was one of six passengers who survived the Cork air crash on February 10 2011.

A further six people, including the pilot and co-pilot of the Manx2 flight, died when it crashed during its third attempt to land in foggy weather.

Gleno resident Lawrence, who set up Larne Skills Development, was not supposed to be on the flight but had swapped places with a colleague at the last minute due to a passport issue.

When the crash occured, he was forced to dig his way out of the plane’s wreckage to get to safety.

Posting on Facebook, Lawrence’s wife May stated: “Five years ago today my husband was the luckiest man alive when he survived the Cork plane crash.

“Last year we were honoured to met two of the men who were responsible for the operation of getting everyone out on that awful day.

“I personally couldn’t thank then enough.

“Today our thought & prayers are with all the six people who weren’t so lucky.

“Gone but not forgotten.”

Lawrence’s daughter, hairdresser Lorna Wilson, added: “Five years ago today I nearly lost my Daddy.

“Not a day goes by I’m not thankful that we still have him here with us!

“Love you Dad!”

Two years ago, Ireland’s Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU), published a report which highlighted a string of failings that had led to the crash.

These included pilot fatigue and bad judgment calls by the crew, as well as a lack of oversight by aviation chiefs.

The AAIU made 11 safety recommendations in an effort to prevent similar accidents from taking place in the future.

Speaking at the time, Lawrence told the Times that the report had brought him “some closure” and had enabled him to “draw a line under the whole thing and move on.”