A 62-year-old pilot is fighting for his life in hospital after his light aircraft crashed and flipped over at Popham Airfield in Hampshire on Sunday. The pilot had to be freed from the wreckage before being taken to Southampton Hospital for treatment.
Hampshire Police confirmed they were called to reports of a collision involving a single light aircraft which had overturned. The force said the pilot, a man aged in his 60s, sustained serious and potentially life-threatening and life-changing injuries.
Emergency response and rescue operation
The South Central Ambulance Service received the 999 call at 5.43pm on Sunday, with reports that the pilot was trapped. The first ambulance crew arrived at the scene at 5.59pm, and an air ambulance along with critical care doctors also attended.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters were called to the crash at around 6pm. Crews from Rushmoor, Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester were alerted, alongside police and ambulance teams.
Firefighters released one casualty from the aircraft and handed him into the care of paramedics. They then made the aircraft safe before the incident was handed over to police to manage the scene. Fire engines have since begun to depart and return to station.
Investigation launched and airfield closed
The pilot was freed and taken to Southampton Hospital by road ambulance, according to South Central Ambulance. Hampshire Police said officers attended the scene and liaised with the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB).
A notice on Popham Airfield’s website states that both runways are closed “until further notice”. The airfield, located in Hampshire, is a popular site for light aircraft and microlite flying.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “We were called to reports of a collision at Popham Airfield involving a single light aircraft which had overturned. The pilot, a man aged in his 60s, has sustained serious and potentially life-threatening and life-changing injuries. He has been taken to hospital for treatment. Officers have attended the scene and have liaised with the Air Accident Investigation Branch.”
Ongoing medical care and next steps
The pilot remains in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries. The AAIB will investigate the cause of the crash, and the airfield will remain closed until further notice. No other casualties have been reported.
