AN investigation is today under way after a low flying plane caused roof tiles to fly off a Southampton home.

The FlyBe plane dislodged around 40 concrete slates in the whirling mass of air created as it flew above. Michael Aitken described the "tremendous din" as the vortex from the four-engine jet sucked off the tiles.

"It made the roof go like a pack of cards," he said.

Dozens of tiles were dislodged from Mr Aitken's home in Copsewood Road, Bitterne Park, where he lives with his wife Jennifer, 59.

"My wife was asleep in the bedroom and screamed when she heard the sound which sounded like a terrific clap of thunder."

No injuries were caused but Mr Aitken, 59, fears that next time somebody could be seriously hurt or even killed by flying tiles.

Southampton Airport bosses immediately admitted responsibility and paid for repairs at an estimated cost of £5,000 within a week.

Loaded gun

"I think we have had tiles move on the roof before but we could not prove it. One day somebody is going to be seriously injured, maimed or die," said Mr Aitken.

"Us poor souls who moved in to our homes years ago before the number of aircraft increased to what it is now don't deserve this.

"To us a plane flying above us is like a loaded gun. We are worried about human life."

Mr Aitken, who has lived in the four-bedroom home for 30 years, said the volume of aircraft using the flight path has increased ten-fold.

"I hear planes every ten minutes. Sometimes the planes seem to be really low - just 50ft above my house. It is impossible to have a conversation and you can't hear the television. It's like living in a war zone.

"It has certainly devalued my house."

The couple, who run Bouquets Florist in East Street, have invested £6,000 in double-glazing and £1,000 in blinds but say it has made little difference to the daily noise levels from 6.40am-10pm.

Airport pressure group campaigners said it was a very worrying time for residents living beneath the airport's flight path.

Chairman Mary Finch said: "Householders should be treated sympathetically."

A Southampton Airport spokesman confirmed the property had been damaged due to a vortex created by an aircraft flying overhead.

"We are working closely with the homeowner to ensure that a full repair is carried out as soon as possible, at our expense. It is important to stress that vortex damage is rare and occurs only under specific weather conditions.

"Southampton Airport has a policy in place so that reports of vortex damage are investigated immediately and resolved swiftly to minimise any inconvenience that this may cause."

The latest incident is the ninth confirmed case in seven years. Last October tiles were ripped off two properties in Windmill Lane, Southampton.