Two men have died after their plane crashed on Sunday (June 4). The pair were flying a light aircraft at Otherton Airfield, in Penkridge, when the crash took place.
The victims have not been named but Staffordshire Police said a 56-year-old man and a 63-year-old had both died at the scene. The aircraft was on fire while on the ground following the crash.
West Midlands Ambulance Service sent two ambulances a paramedic officer and an air ambulance to the scene. A spokesperson for the ambulance service said: “Crews discovered a light aircraft that had suffered significant damage and two male patients. Sadly, it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save either man, and they were both confirmed dead at the scene.”
The police and fire service were also sent to the scene at around 2pm. Specially trained officers are supporting the victims' families.
A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Crews from Cannock and Rising Brook were sent to Otherton in Penkridge just before 2pm on Sunday following reports of the crash. Firefighters used breathing apparatus and hose reel jets to extinguish a small aircraft which was found well-alight at the scene. Sadly, two men died.”
Investigation work is still being carried out at the airfield today (Tuesday). A message on Otherton Airfield's website states that it is closed "until further notice."
The AAIB said: “A team was deployed on Sunday afternoon to the site of an accident involving a light aircraft in Penkridge, Staffordshire. The team remain on site today gathering evidence and making inquiries.”
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The site has three grass runways and is one of the most active airfields in Staffordshire. Staffordshire Police have issued an appeal for information about the incident. Officers wish to speak to anyone with video footage of the crash.
Detective Inspector Peter Goodwin said: “We are continuing to work in parallel with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) to establish the circumstances leading up to the crash. We are keen to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage of the area at the time.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Staffordshire Police by calling 101 and quoting incident 372 of June 4, or using the live chat function on the force’s website. Reports can also be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
