Crash at Popham Airfield
A 62-year-old pilot is recovering in hospital after his light aircraft crashed and overturned at Popham Airfield in Hampshire on Sunday evening. The incident occurred at approximately 5.45pm, according to Hampshire Police, who described the pilot's injuries as "serious and potentially life-threatening and life-changing."
Emergency services, including police, firefighters, an air ambulance, and critical care doctors, responded to the scene. South Central Ambulance Service said they received the 999 call at 5.43pm and their first crew arrived at 5.59pm. The pilot was freed from the wreckage and taken to Southampton Hospital by road ambulance at 7.02pm, where he is receiving treatment.
Rescue and response
Firefighters from Rushmoor, Andover, Basingstoke, and Winchester attended the crash, according to Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. They released the pilot from the aircraft and handed him to paramedics before making the aircraft safe. The incident was then handed over to police to manage the scene.
Hampshire Police said officers attended and have liaised with the Air Accident Investigation Branch. A notice on Popham Airfield's website states that both runways are closed "until further notice."
Official statements
A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "We were called at 5.45pm with 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 and Rescue 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 Service 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."
The cause of the crash has not been determined, and the Air Accident Investigation Branch is involved in the ongoing response.