I am a member of FlyingTime and now fly regularly in one of their PA28's. I have spoken with the guys at FlyingTime, firstly to make sure that everyone there is ok, but also to find out some details as obviously I am a little shaken to hear of such a serious incident so close to home.
As to be expected they are not allowed to mention any specific details as the situation is currently being investigated by the AIB and the Sussex Police, but what I have been told is basically what you can read on the BBC website, which is that the FlyingTime DA40 was traveling from West to East on the X-wind leg when the other aircraft climbed out from runway 20 and the 2 aircraft collided.
I do not know if the DA40 was joining the X-wind leg or simply passing the airfield (I have assumed it was joining the X-winf leg as it would seem the DA40 was at circuit height). I do not know if it was joining X-wind wide or over the numbers either.
In any case, the fact of the matter here is that there was a major incident and someone has lost their life as a result. Also, the pilots of the DA40 will no doubt be running this scenario over in their minds to work out if indeed they had any part to play in this tragic event. I would also imagine that the person on ATC at the time is also questioning their actions so undoubtedly this event has not only caused a death but will also affect the other pilots and ATC for the rest of their lives. We need to be considerate of this fact and try not to draw any of our own conclusions (even though it is human nature to do so) until the official AIB conclusions are published.
What I can say is that the whole team at FlyingTime are extremely professional and I have thoroughly enjoyed being with the club and dealing with the people who work there. This is a freak, tragic accident and my thoughts go out to all involved, and the family of the deceased.
All we can do is use this as a reminder of the potential hazards to aviation and ensure that we all fly safe and remain constantly aware of the movement of other aircraft.