Light aircraft crashes at UK airfield ‘leaving pilot, 62, trapped’ – as he is fighting for his life

A PILOT is in hospital fighting for his life after crashing a plane and reportedly becoming trapped in the wreckage. The light aircraft the 62-year-old man was flying “overturned” in the terrifying ordeal this evening at Popham Airfield, Hampshire. Small light aircraft parked in front of the buildings and control tower of Popham Airfield Credit: Getty Support Vehicle at Popham Airfield Credit: Alamy Emergency services managed to free him and rush him to Southampton Hospital by road ambulance. Cops say he sustained “serious and potentially life-threatening and life-changing injuries” in the incident. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The 999 call was made at 5.43pm after reports of a microlight crash with the pilot trapped inside. The first ambulance crew arrived at the scene just 16 minutes later, at 5.59pm. An air ambulance and critical care doctors also raced to the airfield, alongside police and firefighters. Firefighters worked to release the man from the aircraft before handing him over to paramedics. They also made the light aircraft safe before the incident was handed over to police. Hampshire Police said officers had attended the scene and liaised with the Air Accident Investigation Branch. Most read in The Sun The pilot was taken to Southampton Hospital at 7.02pm, where he is receiving treatment for his injuries. A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “We were called at 5.45pm with reports of a collision at Popham Airfield involving a single light aircraft which had overturned. “The pilot, a man aged in his 60s, has sustained serious and potentially life-threatening and life-changing injuries. “He has been taken to hospital for treatment. “Officers have attended the scene and have liaised with the Air Accident Investigation Branch.” Hampshire fire service added: “Firefighters were called to a light aircraft crash at Popham Airfield at around six o’clock this evening. “Crews from Rushmoor, Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester were alerted to the scene alongside police and ambulance teams. “One casualty was released from the aircraft and passed into the care of paramedics. “Firefighters made the aircraft safe, before the incident was handed over to police to manage the scene. “Fire engines have begun to depart and return to station.” South Central Ambulance said: “We received the 999 call at 17:43 for a microlite crash at Popham Airfield with reports of the pilot trapped. “Our first crew on scene arrived at 17:59. “Air ambulance and critical care doctors also attended. Police and Fire also attended. “The patient, a 62 year old male, was freed and taken to Southampton Hospital at 19:02 by road ambulance.” More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun. Comment now