THE PLANE crash in which three Swindon town bosses were seriously injured was caused by too little fuel in the aircraft.

A report released today by the government Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) said the Cessna T303 Crusader plane crashed into a wooded area on a Buckinghamshire golf course after the right engine ran out of fuel.

Pilot Frank Katky, 60, tried to divert fuel from the left engine, but the speed dropped too low to stay in the air.

The report concluded: "From the evidence provided, the loading of the aircraft was such that it was not capable of completing the round trip flight and remaining within the permitted weight and balance envelope without refuelling at Durham Tees Valley.

"The pilot had consumed alcoholic beverage during the day but the effect on his decision making and handling ability is not known."

All six people on board including Swindon Town director Bill Power, marketing manager Mike Sullivan, chief executive Mark Devlin, and Mr Devlin's 10-year-old son Stanley were hospitalised.