2 people have escaped with their lives after being pulled from the burning wreckage of a plane that crashed into a caravan park in Bembridge.
As first reported by Island Echo, it was just before 14:30 this afternoon (Saturday) that the plane lost all propulsion and began to rapidly descend, with the pilot attempting to make it back to Bembridge Airport from where it had taken off just moments earlier.
Witnesses have described to Island Echo hearing the light aircraft’s engine cut out before the pilot banked around, clipping the top of a row of cottages on Hillway Road as the plane lost altitude.
The plane destroyed a chimney stack and immediately plummeted to the ground, wrecking a garden fence and smashing a conservatory roof.
In another dramatic turn of events, the aircraft spun 180 degrees and crashed into the ground, bursting into flames.
Stunned bystanders, without hesitation, rushed to the aid of those trapped inside the wreckage and pulled the pilot and passenger clear before the fire could take hold.
Their actions have been described as heroic and brave by Inspector Alex Dale of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.
It has been confirmed that 1 person has sustained a minor injury, but has not required any hospital treatment.
Amazingly, not only have those onboard the aircraft walked away without injury but everyone on the ground has escaped too. Many fear that any higher or lower and the plane would have crashed directly into one of the houses or caravans.
This afternoon’s incident prompted a large scale response from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.
In light of the confirmation of no serious or life-threatening injuries, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was stood down as the flying medics climbed a fence from the field where the helicopter had just landed.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has scaled down its presence but officers will remain on scene for the time being.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch have been informed of the incident and are expected to attend the scene in due course to examine the debris field.
Island Echo understands the Bristell NG5 – registration G-CMSM – set off from Popham Airfield near Basingstoke at 11:00, arriving for a spot of lunch at Bembridge just 25 minutes later.
Bembridge Airport remains operational with planes taking off after a sunny day on the Isle of Wight.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist Police is asked to contact 101, quoting 44250160063.
[…] MIRACLE ESCAPE AS PLANE CRASHES INTO CARAVAN PARK AND BURSTS INTO FLAMES […]
Luckily no one was seriously hurt! Should not have light aircraft’s taking off and landing near Housing estates, just like sandown airport it’s a disaster waiting to happen!!!
You are so right, hence I have been saying for years
there is “NO” Health and Safety on the Isle of Wight.
I cannot believe the island gets away with many things
that would never be accepted on the mainland.
Unbelievable that no one got hurt.