17/06/2008

Pilot Survives Harrier Crash

A Royal Navy pilot has ejected to safety as the aircraft he was flying crashed near Ashwell yesterday.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that a Harrier GR7 aircraft crashed on farmland in Rutland just before 1.50pm.

An MoD spokesperson said that the pilot was taken to hospital by air ambulance but that there was "no word at this time on the condition of the pilot".

"At this stage it is too early to say what might have caused the incident. However, a Board of Inquiry is being convened," the spokesperson said.

An incident team from RAF Cottesmore was on the scene within seven minutes and 10 fire crews were sent to the site- however - there were no weapons onboard the aircraft.

Wayne Duke, East Midlands Ambulance Service Operational Support Manager said: "We treated the pilot at the scene for suspected spinal injuries and the pilot was subsequently airlifted to the Queen's Medical Centre."

It is understood that the pilot was on a training exercise to prepare for an operation in Afghanistan.

RAF Cottensmore's Station Commander Captain Ken McCann said in a press conference that there was a "major incident" which meant "unfortunately the pilot had to eject".

Captain McCann added that "this is something that clearly we never like to happen", but "the fact is that the training we're giving appears to have worked".

Commander Ade Orchard, witnessed the crash from the ground and received a Mayday call when the pilot was 1,200ft above the ground.

"There was a large flash from the aircraft and the next thing there was a fireball on the ground," he said.

It is reported that all flying has been suspended at the airbase while investigations are carried out.

(DS)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 August 2014
Pilot Killed In Light Aircraft Crash
Thames Valley Police have reported the death of a man in a light aircraft accident near Buckingham. According to police, the light aircraft was found at about 19:40 on Wednesday at Hedges Farm, off London Road, north of Padbury. The pilot, said to be aged in his 60s, was the only person onboard the plane. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
26 May 2009
Pilot Detained After Aircraft Crash
The pilot of a microlight vehicle that crashed in Gloucestershire woodland has been arrested on suspicion of flying while drunk. The aircraft crashed in woodland at St Briavels Common, near Brockweir, Gloucs at around 5.15pm on Monday. It had taken off in Middlesex.
22 August 2013
Two Killed In Light Aircraft Crash
A pilot and a passenger have died in a light aircraft crash near Wymeswold in Leicester, police have confirmed. Police were called by the ambulance service at 7.55pm last night. Officers are working in conjunction with the Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB) to investigate the cause of the crash.
02 June 2008
Two Britons Die In Light Aircraft Crash
The two Britons who died in a plane crash have been named as John Ritchie, 81, and Kevin Young, 54. According to reports, the Italian pilot and his wife were also killed when the light aircraft came down near Rovereto in the north west of the country yesterday. The passengers were on the return leg of their journey.
04 July 2008
Men Walk Away From Light Aircraft Crash
Two men have escaped serious injury after their light aircraft crashed after taking off near Newport. The pilot and passenger escaped the two-seater Kiscruiser, which then caught fire. Gwent Police say the single engine Kiscruiser had taken off from Upfield Farm, Whitson intending to go to Filton.