A pilot, believed to be a woman in her 40s, has tragically died after a light aircraft crash near Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 10am on Friday, June 26, following reports of a downed aircraft.
Details of the Incident
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the pilot was pronounced dead at the scene. No other passengers were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash. The airfield is located in the Blackdown Hills area of East Devon.
Superintendent Jo Arundale stated: "We will be working closely with The Air Accident Investigation Branch to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash this morning." She added: "We recognise it is a very sad incident and we are appealing to the public not to speculate regarding the crash."
Emergency Response
Eyewitnesses reported that an air ambulance landed at the airfield shortly after 10am, alongside multiple emergency service vehicles. A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that three fire engines were dispatched to the location.
Police have urged anyone with information or relevant video footage to contact them on 101 or via the police website, quoting log 268 of 26 June. They specifically asked the public not to post footage online but to share it directly with authorities.
Investigation Underway
The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified and will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. Authorities have appealed for no speculation while the inquiry proceeds. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the person involved, said Superintendent Arundale.
