Pilot killed in Newquay airport crash

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/aug/18/pilot-killed-in-newquay-airport-crash

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A lone pilot has been killed after crash landing at an airport.

The man, who had been flying a privately owned twin-engine light aircraft from London to Cornwall, died at the scene of the accident at Newquay airport on Monday evening.

The airport was closed after the plane crashed off the runway at about 7.35pm.

Police, fire and ambulance crews were sent to the site but the 68-year-old pilot, who was from Cornwall, could not be saved. His next of kin have been informed.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched an inquiry.

An airport spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that an accident took place yesterday evening at around 7.35pm involving a light aircraft. The emergency services were in attendance and dealt with the accident. It has been confirmed that the pilot of the twin-engine aircraft was killed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the pilot at this very sad time.

“The airport was closed overnight, with flights diverted to Exeter. The airport is now operating as normal and passengers are advised to arrive and check-in as normal.”

She added: “The airport is assisting Devon and Cornwall police and the Air Accident Investigation Branch with their investigation.”

Steve Double, Conservative MP for St Austell and Newquay, offered his condolences to the family of the pilot.

“I was very sad to hear the news of the air crash last night at Newquay airport that took the life of a local pilot,” he said.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the pilot’s family, they have my deepest sympathy.

“The AAIB is attending the scene and we will hear from them in due course as to the cause of this dreadful accident. I spoke with the management at Newquay airport last night and they briefed me on the incident and the steps that the emergency services had taken. Despite these efforts the pilot sadly died at the scene.”