Pilot, 62, fighting for life after plane crash trapped him in wreckage

A pilot is fighting for his life in hospital after his light aircraft crashed and flipped over at an airfield.

The pilot had to be ripped out of the wreckage after the plane came down in Popham Airfield in Hampshire at 5.45pm on Sunday.

He was taken to Southampton Hospital where he is receiving treatment for his injuries.

Hampshire Police said officers had attended the scene and liaised with the Air Accident Investigation Branch.

A notice on Popham Airfield’s website states that both runways are closed ‘until further notice’.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: ‘We were called to reports of a collision at Popham Airfield involving a single light aircraft which had overturned.

‘The pilot, a man aged in his 60s, has sustained serious and potentially life-threatening and life-changing injuries.

‘He has been taken to hospital for treatment.

‘Officers have attended the scene and have liaised with the Air Accident Investigation Branch.’

Hampshire fire service added: ‘Firefighters were called to a light aircraft crash at Popham Airfield at around six o’clock this evening. 

‘Crews from Rushmoor, Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester were alerted to the scene alongside police and ambulance teams. 

‘One casualty was released from the aircraft and passed into the care of paramedics. 

‘Firefighters made the aircraft safe, before the incident was handed over to police to manage the scene. 

‘Fire engines have begun to depart and return to station.’

South Central Ambulance said: ‘We received the 999 call at 5.43 for a microlite crash at Popham Airfield with reports of the pilot trapped.

‘Our first crew on scene arrived at 5.59.

‘Air ambulance and critical care doctors also attended. Police and Fire also attended.

‘The patient, a 62-year-old male, was freed and taken to Southampton Hospital by road ambulance.’