June 24, 2020 11.07 am This story is over 44 months old

Lucky escape after light aircraft crashes at former RAF airfield

No serious injuries thankfully

The pilot and three passengers had a lucky escape and avoided any serious injuries after a light aircraft lost control and crashed into the ground as it landed at an airfield near Cleethorpes.

The Piper PA-32 aircraft was seen circling above the former RAF airfield at North Coates on Tuesday evening. According to the Grimsby Telegraph its nose ploughed into he ground as it landed at more than 80mph at the airfield, which is now home to North Coates Flying Club.

The aircraft reportedly remained upright, but its front undercarriage and propeller buckled. The windshield also smashed on impact and the plane careered into a nearby field.

Firefighters, paramedics and police were swiftly at the scene. Only minor injuries were reported, with the pilot understood to have been taken to hospital as a precaution and later released.

Firefighters, paramedics and police were swiftly at the scene. Photo: Logan Betteridge

Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue were called to the flying club at 6.08pm and a spokesperson said: “Appliances from North Somercotes and Louth attended along with a crew from Grimsby.

“All persons were out of the PA-32 aircraft on arrival, where the crews used dammit paste to seal a fuel leak in the wingtip tank of the aircraft.”

EMAS confirmed that it sent a paramedic in an ambulance car and a crewed ambulance. One patient was transported to Grimsby, Diana Princess of Wales Hospital.

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: “We attended, the pilot and passengers were not seriously injured. There is no police investigation.”

The aircraft was reportedly flying from Full Sutton aerodrome in East Yorkshire. It flew down the east coast before approaching the airfield at North Coates, which is now home to North Coates Flying Club.

The crash happened at the former RAF airfield at North Coates on June 23. Photo: Logan Betteridge

Eyewitness Logan Betteridge told Lincolnshire Reporter he was sat in his garden enjoying the sun when he suddenly heard a load of sirens, which he found unusual in such a rural area.

He said: “All the neighbourhood was rushing out to see what happened so I had jumped on my bike and gone to the end of the runway.

“Once arriving I saw the plane on the grass verge/dyke of the runway. At this point all of the emergency services had arrived and were on the scene. Luckily, I believe all four passengers were okay and uninjured.”

It is expected that the Air Accidents Investigation Branch will launch an investigation into the incident.