Investigation launched into fatal plane crash

A 70-year-old man died in the crash at Sherburn Aero Club on Sunday

A formal investigation into the death of a 70-year-old man who died when the plane he was piloting crash-landed at an airfield in North Yorkshire has been officially launched.

Emergency services were called to Sherburn Aero Club, near Sherburn in Elmet, just before 13:00 GMT on Sunday.

The pilot, who was from the Leeds area and believed to have been flying alone, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said earlier that its inspectors had arrived at the site to gather evidence and make inquiries.

Following the incident, Sherburn Aero Club said the airfield remained closed.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said officers had been guarding the scene since they were called to the airfield.

Councillor Peter Baumann, chair of Sherburn in Elmet Town Council, said the authority extended its "deepest condolences to the family and friends of the pilot who sadly lost his life."

"We know this news will have come as a shock to many and our thoughts are very much with everyone affected, from the family, to the staff, to visitors," he said.

He also thanked the emergency services who attended the scene.

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