Light aircraft crashed into Isle of Man cliffside, police say
- Published
Smoke was seen in the area of Bradda Head in Port Erin
A light aircraft has crashed into a cliff face on the southern coast of the Isle of Man, police have confirmed.
The incident happened at about 12:00 BST at Bradda Head in Port Erin.
An Isle of Man Constabulary spokesman said it was believed there was one person on board at the time, but no details about their identity would be released.
The incident was attended by all of the island's emergency services, who were assisted by Belfast Coastguard.
The teams would be "working with aviation crash investigators through the evening", the police spokesman added.
Bradda Head itself remained "under police scene guard and the public should avoid the area", while the water and air space around the site were also closed, he said.
Flights in and out of Ronladsway Airport would not be affected.
Some people earlier shared on social media the FlightRadar24 website showing a plane had come down, saying it was a Cessna light aircraft.
A coastguard helicopter took part in the operation
As a result of the incident, the Isle of Civil Aviation Administration has placed emergency restrictions on flying drones in the area.
A ban on flying the devices within two nautical miles (3.7km) off Bradda Head at any level has been put in place until at least 23:59 BST on Tuesday.
All Manx emergency services attended the scene
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, smoke could be seen billowing above Bradda Head.
Crowds gathered in Port Erin, with many standing at the opposite end of the bay to watch as various emergency services tackled the incident.
The incident appeared to have happened just beyond the southern side of the bay on Bradda Head, making it difficult for anyone onshore to have witnessed it.
Emergency services in the area included police, fire crews, diving teams, an HM Coastguard helicopter and two lifeboats, which remain at the bottom of the cliff.
The teams could be seen on Bradda Head in the area of Milner's Tower and on the cliff face itself.
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