GWENT survivors of the Gerona air crash are demanding apologies after a damning report into the accident.

The findings of an investigation by Spanish authorities into the 1999 Britannia Airways crash were revealed yesterday.

Among those criticised were Spanish air traffic control who, it is claimed, did not provide the Boeing 757's crew with detailed information about the intensity of a storm in the area.

The report also found that there were "misunderstandings" which meant it was 70 minutes before passengers, stranded in the dark, were safely transported to the terminal building.

Among those on board the flight from Cardiff Airport to Gerona in September 1999 were Terrance and Marion Bowden from Bettws.

Speaking yesterday, Mrs Bowden told the Argus she was pleased the report had finally been made public.

She said: "I'm angry it has taken five years to get this report but I'm pleased we finally have some answers.

"I'm frustrated that it seems this accident could have been avoided, when you fly you put your life in the hands of the airline, and this simply isn't good enough.

"Our lives have been put on hold for the past five years, now I want Britannia Airways, Thomson holidays and the Spanish holidays to stand up and apologise for putting us through this."

Investigators found that torrential rain and the extinguishing of runway lights hindered the landing of the plane, but that the probable cause of the accident was the fact the plane was not level enough, not at the right speed and not at the right rate of descent to make a good landing.

A contributory cause was the effect of shock on the plane's 57-year-old captain at the failure of the runway lights which could have inhibited him from making a decision to abort the landing and go round again.

Mark Harvey, of Hugh James solicitors, representing the passengers, told the Argus he would be writing to the airline and Spanish authorities seeking reassurances lessons had been learnt.

Kevin Hatton, Britannia Airways managing director, said: "We have been working closely with the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch during the past five years and as a learning organisation I give my full assurance that we will examine the report very carefully.

"Britannia will work with all relevant parties to ensure that any appropriate recommendations are actioned."