Plane crashes and overturns on runway at UK airport after ‘pilot error’ as man, 84, and woman, 78, rushed to hospital
TWO people were rushed to hospital after a plane crashed on a runway at a busy airport.
Emergency services were scrambled to Swansea Airport on July 19 after the aircraft overturned due to “pilot error”.
South Wales Police confirmed that both the pilot, an 84-year-old man, and his passenger, a 78-year-old woman, did not suffer serious injuries.
WalesOnline reported that the pair had been taken to nearby Morriston Hospital for treatment.
The private plane is understood to be damaged beyond repair following the accident.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police stated: “Officers attended Swansea Airport on Saturday, 19 July at around 4.30pm following a report of an overturned aircraft.
“Neither the pilot, an 84-year-old man from Sketty, or the passenger, a 78-year-old woman from Reading, Berkshire, have sustained any serious injuries.
“The cause of the crash is believed to be pilot error. No concerns were raised regarding the pilot’s fitness to fly.”
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews were in attendance for more than an hour.
A spokeswoman for the service said: “At 4.28pm on Saturday, July 19, crews from Swansea west and Swansea central fire stations were called to an incident at Swansea Airport.
“Crews responded to a light aircraft overturned on the runway.
“Two casualties were reported and left in the care of the ambulance service.
“Special Service Core, police and ambulance were also in attendance.
“Crews left the scene at 5.44pm”
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a probe into the incident.
A spokeswoman for the AAIB said: “An accident involving a light aircraft which occurred at Swansea airport was reported to the AAIB on Saturday, July 19.
“An investigation has begun.”
Skydive Swansea, which hosts activities at the airport, reportedly helped to recover the plane and take it back to its hangar.
Private pilot age limits in the UK
You can start flight training in the UK at the age of 14, with students able to fly solo at the age of 16.
The minimum age to hold a private pilot license (PPL) is 17 and you must have a Part MED Class 2 Medical Certificate.
You will need to complete 45 hours of flight instruction on aeroplanes.
There is no upper age limit for obtaining a PPL, as long as you can maintain the required medical standards