Plane ‘rapidly’ ploughs into ground during ‘difficult’ take off leaving pilot dead and wrecked aircraft on fire

A PLANE has 'rapidly' ploughed into ground during a 'difficult' take off - leaving the pilot dead and the wrecked aircraft on fire.

Emergency services scrambled to Defford Croft Farm airfield near Worcester at 10.45am today after a small plane hit the ground.

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The plane had "difficulties" during take-off which sent it "rapidly" to the ground.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the pilot was confirmed dead at the scene.

Nobody else was hurt and the Air Accident Investigation Branch is now probing the crash.

The local fire service said that it was called along with cops and ambulance crews to a "light aircraft well alight" at 10.35am.

Firefighters from around Worcestershire and Herefordshire scrambled to the airfield along with a support vehicle.

West Mercia Police said: "At 10.45am this morning we were called to Woodmancote, near Defford.

"There were reports that a small plane had experienced difficulties during take-off, causing it to descend rapidly to the ground.

"Emergency services attended and unfortunately the pilot was confirmed dead at the scene. 

"Nobody else was injured during the incident. The Air Accident Investigation Branch will now carry out an investigation."

The local Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called at 10:35 to a light aircraft well alight at Woodmancote, Defford, Worcester.

"Crews from Pershore, Upton upon Seven, Malvern, Droitwich, Ledbury, Wyre Forest and Peterchurch Fire Stations plus the incident support vehicle from Droitwich were called."

A spokesperson added: "Ambulance and police were also in attendance."

The local ambulance service has also been contacted for comment.