Latest News

Two killed as light aircraft crashes near airport

Courtesy of Wesley Johnson, The Press Association and The Independent On Sunday. 

Two people were killed when a light aircraft crashed near an airport today, police said.

The aircraft crashed into a field near the A4095 in Bladon, near Oxford Airport, at about 2pm this afternoon, Thames Valley Police said.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been informed.

A Thames Valley Police spokeswoman said: "We were called around 2.10pm to reports that a plane had crashed in a field near the A4095 in Bladon in Oxfordshire, very near Oxford Airport.

"A cordon has been set up at the scene. Two people died. We have informed the AAIB, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch."

An Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said firefighters tackled a blaze at the scene.

"Four pumps are tackling the fire, which is now under control," he said.

Maffi Moushkila was in the nearby village of Thrupp when he heard the plane crash.

"I heard the engine stop and about two seconds afterwards there was a bang," he told BBC News.

"About 20 seconds later there was another bang. A few minutes later the airport alarm went off."

Unnamed witnesses told the Oxford Mail there was a 50ft trail in the snow-covered field.

An AAIB spokesman said: "Inspectors from the AAIB are travelling to the scene and will be investigating all aspects of the incident.

"It is not possible to speculate on the cause of this accident at this stage."

Click here to return to the News page