Startling images have captured the moment a light aircraft crashed onto a busy A-road, leaving shocked drivers scrambling to avoid the wreckage.
The plane plummeted into traffic on the A419 in Gloucestershire, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
The incident occurred near Aston Down Airfield in Frampton Mansell, between Cirencester and Stroud. A witness described the aircraft as appearing to have ‘stalled before nose-diving into the main road.’
Fortunately, the two people onboard are not believed to have sustained serious injuries, and the air ambulance was stood down shortly after arriving.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Gloucestershire Constabulary advised motorists of road closures in the area as emergency services dealt with the scene. ‘The two occupants onboard are being assessed by ambulance services, and it appears no other vehicles were involved,’ they added.
This incident follows a tragic plane crash near Worcester, where a small aircraft encountered ‘difficulties’ during take-off and crashed into the ground. Emergency services rushed to Defford Croft Farm airfield at 10:45 am yesterday, but despite their efforts, the pilot was declared dead at the scene.
The plane had encountered problems during take-off, causing it to rapidly descend before crashing. Thankfully, no one else was injured, and the Air Accident Investigation Branch is now investigating the crash.
Local fire services reported that they were called to the scene, along with police and ambulance crews, to attend to the ‘light aircraft well alight’ at 10:35 am. Firefighters from various stations across Worcestershire and Herefordshire responded, along with an air ambulance.
West Mercia Police confirmed that at 10:45 am, they were alerted to the incident in Woodmancote, near Defford. Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, the pilot was pronounced dead at the scene. The Air Accident Investigation Branch will now conduct an investigation into the crash.
The local Fire and Rescue Service stated, ‘We were called at 10:35 to a light aircraft on fire at Woodmancote, Defford, Worcester. Crews from multiple fire stations responded, along with the incident support vehicle from Droitwich.’
A spokesperson added, ‘Ambulance and police were also in attendance.’
West Midlands Ambulance Service added, ‘We were called by the fire service to reports of a light aircraft crash at an airfield in Defford near Worcester at 10:38 am today. A paramedic officer, an ambulance, and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford responded. Sadly, it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the single occupant of the aircraft, who was confirmed deceased at the scene.’
