Pilot dies after light aircraft crash in Nigel Farage accident field

A pilot has died following a light aircraft collision in the same field in which Nigel Farage suffered severe injuries in another crash.

The incident took place at 12.10pm yesterday at Hinton-in-the-Hedges airfield in south Northamptonshire.

A spokesman for East Midlands Ambulance Service said it received a call just after midday to reports of a light aircraft collision, and was on the scene within minutes, immediately calling for back-up from the air ambulance.

He added: "Our crews provided care to a male patient on scene with serious injuries. He was not conveyed to hospital."

The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in Farnborough, Hampshire, has launched an investigation into the matter and will be supported by Northamptonshire Police.

Ukip leader Mr Farage had to be pulled from the crushed cockpit of a plane after an election banner caused it to crash in May 2010.

The PZL-104 Wilga 35A light aircraft came down after the tow line for the sign became wrapped around the tailplane, an investigation by the AAIB found.

Mr Farage, who was standing in the election - ultimately unsuccessfully - against the Commons Speaker John Bercow in the constituency of Buckingham, suffered broken ribs, bruised lungs and facial injuries.

He was treated at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and said afterwards: "I must be the luckiest man alive."

The pilot, Justin Adams, was also seriously injured and was trapped in the wreckage of the aircraft by a foot until freed by firefighters, the report said.

Mr Farage, dressed in a pin-stripe suit, blue shirt and tie, with a Ukip rosette still attached, was able to get out after his harness was released by witnesses.