A PLANE crash during a ‘difficult’ take off has left the pilot dead and the wrecked aircraft on fire.
Emergency services scrambled to Defford Croft Farm airfield near Worcester at 10.45am today after a small plane hit the ground.
The plane had “difficulties” during take-off which caused it to descend “rapidly” before slamming into the ground.
Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the pilot was confirmed dead at the scene.
Nobody else was hurt and the Air Accident Investigation Branch is now probing the crash.
The local fire service said that it was called along with cops and ambulance crews to a “light aircraft well alight” at 10.35am.
Firefighters from around Worcestershire and Herefordshire scrambled to the airfield along with an air ambulance.
West Mercia Police said: “At 10.45am this morning we were called to Woodmancote, near Defford.
“There were reports that a small plane had experienced difficulties during take-off, causing it to descend rapidly to the ground.
“Emergency services attended and unfortunately the pilot was confirmed dead at the scene.
“Nobody else was injured during the incident. The Air Accident Investigation Branch will now carry out an investigation.”
The local Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 10:35 to a light aircraft well alight at Woodmancote, Defford, Worcester.
“Crews from Pershore, Upton upon Seven, Malvern, Droitwich, Ledbury, Wyre Forest and Peterchurch Fire Stations plus the incident support vehicle from Droitwich were called.”
A spokesperson added: “Ambulance and police were also in attendance.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called by the fire service to reports of a light aircraft crash landing in an airfield in Defford near Worcester at 10.38am today.
“A paramedic officer, an ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford responded to the scene.
“It quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the single occupant of the aircraft.
A spokesperson added: “They were sadly confirmed deceased on scene by ambulance staff.”
