Investigation into plane crash near Castle Bytham

The plane came down near a grass airstrip between Castle Bytham and Swayfield just after 2pm on Wednesday.

The pilot, a 73-year-old man from Thurnby, Leicestershire was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham by air ambulance with back and leg injuries, cuts and bruises.

A 52-year-old tanker driver who was making a delivery nearby was taken to a local hospital and was believed to have sustained minor cuts and bruises along with shock.

Yesterday the Air Accidents Investigation Branch began looking into the crash. A spokesman said: “We are aware of the incident and are making initial inquiries.”

At the time of going to press the pilot was still in hospital. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. He was freed from the wreckage by the fire and rescue service.

The 61-year-old occupant of the bungalow was with the tanker driver but was not injured.

The bungalow did not suffer major structural damage. The road to the airstrip remains cordoned off.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 244 of November 19.