Arabic version: مقتل طيار في تحطم طائرة بالقرب من مطار دونكيسويل

The pilot of a plane has died after it crashed on a farm near Dunkeswell Aerodrome in East Devon. Emergency services confirmed the incident occurred at about 10:00 BST on Friday, prompting a response from police, firefighters, and ambulances.

The pilot, believed to be a woman in her 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities reported that nobody else was on board at the time of the crash, and the pilot’s next of kin had been informed. According to BBC News, police are collaborating with the Air Accident Investigation Branch to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Superintendent Jo Arundale expressed condolences, stating, “We recognize it is a very sad incident and we are appealing to the public not to speculate regarding the crash.” She urged anyone with relevant footage to contact the police rather than posting it online.

The Dunkeswell Aerodrome, a former RAF site located in the Blackdown Hills area of Devon, is noted as the highest licensed airfield in the UK. A spokesperson from the aerodrome extended their sincere condolences to the pilot’s family, confirming that the incident involved a visiting light aircraft.

Nick Stevens, the founder of Connetts Farm, witnessed the crash and reported seeing a serious fire, initially mistaking it for a barn fire. Emergency services were already on the scene when he arrived, and road closures were implemented in the area. Witnesses reported seeing significant smoke rising from the crash site.