Farm Strip Flying statement after pilot's death at Croft Farm Airfield

A 69-year-old man died in a plane crash at Croft Farm Airfield in Woodmancote. near Defford.

The pilot experienced difficulties during take-off and died at the scene following Tuesday's crash (August 27).

Farm Strip Flying, a flying club based at Croft Farm Airfield, said it had lost a member of its "family".

A statement from the flight training company said: "To avoid speculation. It is with heartfelt regret that we have today lost a member of the Farm Strip Flying family in a fatal accident.

"We will be in touch with all of our customers with upcoming bookings but in the meantime please may we ask for your patience and privacy at what is an extremely difficult time."

The statement was signed off by 'Matt and Arthur'.

'HEARTFELT REGRET': Farm Strip Flying released a statement about the plane crash in Defford (Image: Instagram/Farm Strip Flying)

West Mercia Police said it had received reports a small plane had experienced difficulties during take-off, causing it to descend rapidly to the ground.

The police spokesperson said nobody else was injured during the incident.

Firefighter crews from Pershore, Upton upon Seven, Malvern, Droitwich, Ledbury, Wyre Forest and Hereford Fire Stations were called to the crash at 10.35am on Tuesday (August 27).

West Mercia Police and West Midlands Ambulance also attended.

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said: "West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by the fire service to reports of a light aircraft crash landing in an airfield in Defford near Worcester at 10.38am today.

"A paramedic officer, an ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford responded to the scene.

"It quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the single occupant of the aircraft and they were sadly confirmed deceased on scene by ambulance staff."

CRASH: The pilot died shortly after take off at Defford Croft Farm Airfield (Image: Google Maps)

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has now launched an investigation into the incident.

Inspectors have been sent to the site to gather evidence.

It said: "The AAIB has started an investigation into an accident involving a light aircraft which occurred near Defford, Worcestershire, on 27 August.

"A team of inspectors has been sent to the accident site to gather evidence."