Saturday, April 19, 2014

East Devon, UK: Pilot killed and young son injured in microlight accident

A microlight  pilot has been killed and his son badly injured when the aircraft they were in crashed in a Devon field.

The accident is one of two Easter tragedies to hit the county after a kayaker lost his life when his vessel capsized.

Police and ambulances were called to the microlight accident, near Colyton, by a member of the public who witnessed the aircraft crash as it came into land at a private airfield.

Despite the efforts of three members of the public who were first on scene, who tried to resuscitate a casualty, the man was declared dead at the scene.

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The second person on board - believed to be the pilot's nine-year-old son - was rushed to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The extent of their injuries is not known. The Devon & Cornwall Police helicopter was used to fly the boy's mother to his side.

Detective Sergeant Angus Cottey said: “Police were informed at about 10am on Friday of a possible aircraft crash off Seaton Road, near Colyton in East Devon.

“Police units attended and met with ambulance personnel at the scene. A microlight appears to have crashed into a field where one fatality was confirmed.

“The injured person was airlifted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.

“The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been informed and are attending the scene to carry out further investigation.

“Our primary role is to secure the scene for the AAIB. We have recovered some potential exhibits and the scene has been made safe by the fire service.”

Seaton Road was closed for most of the day as police awaited the arrival of air crash investigators.

South West Ambulance Service said it sent paramedics and an air ambulance to the scene after being called at 9.46am.

Meanwhile, one person died and a second was taken to hospital after a boat capsized in a river estuary in North Devon.

The 16ft boat overturned at Bideford Bar, a treacherous sandbank about two miles off Bideford.   Coastguards said the sea conditions at the time of the SOS just after 11am on Friday were good with light winds and an ebbing tide.

Two local vessels responded and pulled two people from the water. The casualties were then transferred to Appledore RNLI lifeboat and brought ashore.

One of the two men, who are described as in their 30s, was confirmed as deceased at the scene. Two dogs were also recovered from the vessel, one of which was dead.

Swansea Coastguard watch manager David Hughes said: “Unfortunately both of these men were found in the water without lifejackets on. Lifejackets are useless unless worn because when the unexpected happens there is no time to put one on.”

The injured man has been taken to Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital with injuries described by police as “not believed to be serious”.

A police spokesman said: “We are not releasing details of the deceased yet as we are still advising next of kin.”

A spokesperson for Appledore RNLI Lifeboat Station said they responded “within minutes” following an alert from the coastguard.