A pilot is “lucky to be alive” in hospital after his light aircraft crashed into trees and bushes shortly after take-off in east London.
Havering Police said a man and woman were in the aircraft that came down at roughly 12.12pm on Tuesday.
The plane crash-landed into shrubs next to a fishing pond after taking off from a nearby Damyns Hall aerodrome, according to witnesses.
Firefighters worked for more than an hour to cut the pair out of the aircraft.
The woman walked away unscathed from the crash and got into an ambulance.
The pilot is believed to have suffered a broken ankle and broken ribs in the crash.
Police said he has “potentially life-changing or life-threatening injuries”.
A pilot told the Standard: “I was flying myself at the time. Someone else flying overhead saw them go down into trees and bushes next to a fishing pond. That’s why they are still alive - it’s lucky.
“The lady walked away and went with the ambulance. The pilot had a broken ankle and broken ribs. He was taken to the hospital in a helicopter.
“The fire brigade were there in five minutes. I didn’t know them or know if they were a couple. But I think it was their own aircraft.”
A caterer working nearby added: “I see planes take-off and land there all the time. To hear of a plane crash is so rare. You have to think of it compared to like car crashes they are more frequent.”
A Met spokesman said: “Police were called to reports of a light aircraft that crashed shortly after take-off, in the area of Aveley Road Upminster.
“Officers and London Ambulance Service are in attendance.
“A man and a woman were located. Despite initial reports of no serious injuries, a man has now been taken to hospital with potentially life-changing or life threatening injuries.
“Emergency services remain on the scene.”
London Fire Brigade Station Commander Jeremy Davies said 40 firefighters worked for over an hour to free the pair by 1.40pm.
He said: “Firefighters worked with partners to release a man and a woman trapped inside a lightweight aircraft in woodland near the aerodrome.
“They were both taken to hospital by road and air ambulance crews.”
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We treated a man and woman at the scene and took them to hospital.”
