Breaking News
On Air The Mid Morning Show 10:00AM to 1:00PM The Isle of Wight in Real Time
Listen Live Listen Online Follow us
Follow Isle of Wight Radio on Facebook Follow Isle of Wight Radio on Twitter
Current Weather
Partly Cloudy
N 9mph
9 mph
Partly Cloudy
13°C

Pilot Dies In Vintage Air Show Crash

Sun, 01 July 2012 5:17PM

A pilot has been killed after a vintage aircraft he was flying crashed at an air show.

The wooden plane plunged into a field just 300 yards (274 metres) from a crowd of 600 people attending a military pageant.

Police said they worked alongside the fire and rescue service, East of England Ambulance Service and the aerodrome's own fire service to help the pilot after the incident, which happened at around 9.45am.

The man, who was in his 40s, has been named locally as Trevor Roche.

He was pronounced dead soon after the accident, which happened at Old Warden Aerodrome, near Biggleswade, Bedfordshire - home to the Shuttleworth Collection of vintage aircraft.

The Shuttleworth Collection confirmed in a statement on its website that the aircraft experienced difficulties and crashed.

The statement said: "Emergency services and the air ambulance were called to the scene and one casualty airlifted to hospital.

"We are not releasing details of the person's identity or the nature of the injuries incurred.

"Today's planned air show has been cancelled to allow accident investigators to assess the scene.

"We would like to thank both on-site and external emergency crews for their prompt reaction."

A spokesman for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said that the aircraft involved was a de Havilland DH 53 - an aircraft used for communications and training by the RAF in the 1920s.

"A team of inspectors have been despatched to the site to start an investigation which will determine the circumstances behind the accident," he said.

More National News

Miami Face-Eating Victim: Photos To Be Released

Miami Face-Eating Victim: Photos To Be Released

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:56AM
April Jones Trial: Bone 'From Human Skull'

April Jones Trial: Bone 'From Human Skull'

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:52AM
Church Minibus Flips Over Killing Five

Church Minibus Flips Over Killing Five

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:23AM
Bell Passed Fit For Headinlgey

Bell Passed Fit For Headinlgey

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:21AM
Tornado Survivor Finds Dog During TV Interview

Tornado Survivor Finds Dog During TV Interview

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:04AM
UK Motor Insurer Hastings Plots Stake Sale

UK Motor Insurer Hastings Plots Stake Sale

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:55AM
Susan Powell Mystery: Case Closed By Police

Susan Powell Mystery: Case Closed By Police

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:32AM
Apple Sought 'Holy Grail' Of Tax Avoidance

Apple Sought 'Holy Grail' Of Tax Avoidance

Tue, 21 May 2013 9:54AM
Oklahoma Tornado: Children 'Drowned In School'

Oklahoma Tornado: Children 'Drowned In School'

Tue, 21 May 2013 9:46AM
Loongate: Cameron Writes To Tory Members

Loongate: Cameron Writes To Tory Members

Tue, 21 May 2013 9:34AM

Local News

Eurovia working with Bardon Vectis parent company on materials for Highways PFI

Eurovia working with Bardon Vectis parent company on materials for Highways PFI

Island Roads, the company in charge of the Isle of Wight Highways PFI programme, has revealed that it is already working with Bardon Vectis' parent company on fulfilling the contract.
'Landmark victory' for Fire Brigades Union over Surrey transfer of staff

'Landmark victory' for Fire Brigades Union over Surrey transfer of staff

The Fire Brigades Union has claimed a "landmark victory" for its members after the Isle of Wight's emergency control service was transferred to a mainland authority.
Measles vaccine letters sent to Isle of Wight parents

Measles vaccine letters sent to Isle of Wight parents

Parents on the Isle of Wight are being sent letters to remind them about the importance of the measles vaccine.
Sea water plant planned for Sandown

Sea water plant planned for Sandown

Southern Water plans to build a plant in Sandown to turn sea water into drinking water.
Organisers hail amazing Race for Life runners

Organisers hail amazing Race for Life runners

Organisers of this year's 'amazing' Race for Life have said a heart-felt thank you to everyone involved.
More than 2,000 homes hit by power cut

More than 2,000 homes hit by power cut

Around 2,200 homes in Binstead and Wootton have been affected by a power cut this morning (Monday).
Transition to new Cowes Enterprise College building begins in September

Transition to new Cowes Enterprise College building begins in September

The transition period for the move to the new building at Cowes Enterprise College will begin in September, according to the new Chair of the Governing Body Rachael Fidler.
Lottie to see her new space for the first time

Lottie to see her new space for the first time

Niton youngster Lottie Rann will get the first look at her new space on Saturday, having spent months in a mainland children's rehabilitation unit.
Bardon Vectis Asphalt Plans Approved

Bardon Vectis Asphalt Plans Approved

The decision was made by a planning officer under delegated powers yesterday (16 May)
Inquest opens into death of man at Alum Bay

Inquest opens into death of man at Alum Bay

The inquest has opened into the death of a man whose body was found at the foot of cliffs at Alum Bay on Wednesday.