Aerobatic pilot dies in tragic accident at Norfolk airfield
An aerobatics pilot has died in a plane crash in Norfolk.
David Jenkins, thought to be in his 60s, was flying an Edge 360 plane in an airshow as part of a press day when the plane came down at Old Buckenham Airfield, near Attleborough.
Norfolk Police were called to the airfield just before 3pm yesterday (Wednesday) after the light aircraft crashed, the BBC reports.
The media show was for the Old Buckenham airshow which takes place on the first weekend of August this year.
According to local newspaper the Eastern Daily Press, eyewitness said the light aircraft crashed during a practice display and it appeared to be in a flat spin which it did not come out of.
A friend, who did not wish to be named, said "he was the best bloke I knew", and added Mr Jenkins was "highly skilled".
A spokeswoman for Norfolk Police said yesterday: "An area of the airfield has been cordoned off while officers deal with the incident."
Mr Jenkins was an experienced pilot who was part of the Wildcats Aerobatics team.
The team have issued a statement which reads: "It is with great sadness that Wildcat Aerobatics confirm the death of David Jenkins - "Wildcat 3". David was killed during an aerobatic practice at Old Buckenham airfield on Wednesday 22 April 2015."
The team added: "David was highly respected on the ground and in the air and will be greatly missed. His family and friends are very much in our thoughts, and we ask that you respect everyone's privacy at this difficult time."
Today the website for the Old Buckenham Airshow displays a black background with a tribute to Mr Jenkins, they add that the tragic accident is under investigation by the Air Accident Investigations Branch (AAIB ).
The statement says: "Yesterday we lost a great friend and aviation lost one of its great champions."
"Everyone at Old Buckenham extends their heartfelt condolences to David's family."
"We have been very moved by the countless messages of condolence and support from the aviation world and public at large. Please rest assured that they will be passed on to David's family."
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