A Fairchild Metroliner operated by Flightline BCN on behalf of Manx2 which crashed at Cork airport this morning has been identified as bearing the registration number EC-ITP.

The aircraft was built in 1992 and powered by a pair of Garrett TPE331 turboprop engines.

The Irish Aviation Authority confirms that the aircraft had first carried out an instrument landing system approach to runway 17 at Cork, but the crew made the decision to go around.

The aircraft then attempted an approach to runway 35 but abandoned that also, and held off for “about 20min” before making its fatal ILS approach to runway 17.

Latest reports suggest that six of the 10 passengers and two crew members on board the aircraft lost their lives.