Glider pilot, 73, dies after aircraft crashes into a field
A glider pilot in his 70s has died after the aircraft he was on crashed into a field in West Sussex.
A 73-year-old man has died after a glider incident in the village of Barlavington, West Sussex.
He was tragically pronounced dead at the scene after the crash on Wednesday, the BBC and The Sun report.
Now an investigation has launched to establish what caused the fatal fall.
The male pilot was the only passenger in the glider.
His next of kin and a coroner have been notified.
The lightweight aircraft came down near Crouch Lane, Barlavington, around five miles south of Petworth, at about 6.05pm.
The emergency services rushed to the scene in rural West Sussex, including ambulance crews and the Costguard.
While a Costguard helicopter was seen flying above the crash site, it was only alerted and not involved, the service confirmed to Metro.co.uk.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) launched its probe on Thursday.
The government agency said in a statement: ‘An investigation has begun into an accident involving a glider which occurred on 5 June near Petworth, West Sussex.
‘A team of inspectors has been sent to the accident site to gather evidence and make enquiries.’
Police officers remained at the scene on Thursday, according to The Sun.
Witnesses of the incidents or anyone with information or footage should contact police online or call 101.
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