An investigation has been launched after a fatal accident involving a light aircraft.
A man in his 20s believed to be the pilot died in the crash on Thursday evening.
North Yorkshire Police said in a statement: “We can confirm that at around 7.45pm on Thursday, we received a report that a light aircraft had come down in a field near to Bagby Airfield in the Thirsk area.
“Police, Fire and Ambulance all attended the scene.
“One person, a man aged in his 20s, sadly died in the crash. His family are being supported by specially trained officers.
“There was not believed to be anyone else on board the aircraft.
“A full investigation is underway led by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
“People are asked to avoid the area and we thank local residents for their patience and co-operation while the emergency services continue to work at the scene.”
Residents living near the airfield say they heard a loud bang and then a plume of black smoke.
One resident said they saw a small plane dive towards the airfield, which is near Thirsk, before seeing the smoke.
The emergency services including police, the fire service and ambulances attended.
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it sent four crews from Ripon, Northallerton, Thirsk and Easingwold after being alerted at 7.45pm.
A fire investigator was also dispatched.
A fire service spokesperson said: “Crews made the area safe for our colleagues at North Yorkshire Police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch to carry out their investigation.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who sadly died in the incident.
“Tragic events like this can have a lasting effect on the crews who attended, and we are fully supporting those involved.”
A spokesperson for the AAIB: “The AAIB has launched an investigation into a fatal accident involving a twin-engine light aircraft which occurred yesterday near Bagby Airfield, Thirsk, Yorkshire.
“A team of inspectors arrived on site this morning to gather evidence and begin an investigation.”
Be the first to comment