Pilot killed after light aircraft crashes into cliffs in Cornwall
PA
Yesterday afternoon a light aircraft, which had just taken off from Perranporth Flying Club, crashed into a cliff and burst into flames.
The Daily Mail reports that the pilot, who has not yet been named, was killed when the plane burst into flames.
The accident happened at a beauty spot known as Sheep Rock, Nancekuke, near Portreath.
Witnesses said that the plane was surrounded by flames. The fire is presumed to have started when fuel from the ruptured tanks caught fire.
Police, fire and rescue and HM coastguard all rushed to the scene, but could not get there fast enough to save the pilot, who is believed to be from St Austell.
Investigators are now trying to establish exactly what happened.
A police spokesman said: "At 4.05pm an aircraft left Perranporth Flying Club. Very shortly afterwards it collided with cliffs. It was on fire and the plane landed on top of the cliff face.
"Nobody else is thought to have been in the aircraft and there were no casualties on the ground.
"Police, fire and rescue and HM Coastguard all attended the scene with the aircraft reported on fire.
"Following early investigation, the pilot of the aircraft has died as a result of the incident."
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the wreckage of the plane hanging from the cliff edge, with smoke rising above it.
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