Fatal Plane Crash Near Dunkeswell Aerodrome
The pilot of a light aircraft has died following a crash on a farm near Dunkeswell Aerodrome in East Devon, emergency services confirmed.
Police, firefighters, and ambulance crews were dispatched to the scene after the incident was reported at approximately 10:00 BST on Friday.
Devon and Cornwall Police stated that the pilot, believed to be a woman in her 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that no other individuals were on board the aircraft at the time of the crash, and the pilot's next of kin have been informed.
The aerodrome, situated in the Blackdown Hills area of Devon, is a former Royal Air Force (RAF) site.
Police are collaborating closely with the Air Accident Investigation Branch to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Supt Jo Arundale said: "We recognise it is a very sad incident and we are appealing to the public not to speculate regarding the crash.
Furthermore, we would like to ask anybody who may have relevant footage to get in touch with us and not to post it online."
Arundale added the force's thoughts were with the friends and family of the person involved.
Authorities have requested that anyone with relevant footage contact the police directly.
Devon and Somerset Fire Service reported that multiple fire crews attended the scene at Dunkeswell.
Nick Stevens, founder of Connetts Farm, confirmed that the small aircraft crashed on his property.
Stevens recounted that he was working nearby when he observed a "serious fire" on the farm, initially believing it to be one of his barns. Upon closer inspection, he discovered the fire involved the light aircraft.
Emergency services had already been notified prior to his arrival, and road closures were implemented in the vicinity.
The Dunkeswell Aerodrome is a former RAF site located in the Blackdown Hills area of Devon, near the border with Somerset.
According to the aerodrome's official website, the site was originally constructed to serve as a United States naval base during World War Two.
The aerodrome is also noted as being the highest licensed airfield in the United Kingdom.
A witness named Johnny, located on Marcus Road south of the airfield, reported seeing "a lot of black smoke" to the east of the airfield at around 11:00 BST.
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