Pilot killed in light aircraft crash near airport

BBC A green tarpaulin covers the wreckage of a small plane. Some white metallic parts protrude from under the cover. There are trees and bushes behind and dry white grass in the foreground.BBC
The crash happened just before 11:40 near Fife Airport

The pilot of a light aircraft has died after crashing into a field near Fife Airport.

The 50-year-old man died at the scene, near Kinglassie, just before 11:40.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it was investigating the crash near the airport - a small airfield used by local flying clubs.

Police Scotland said no-one else was injured in the crash and inquiries into the incident were ongoing.

Fife Jammer Locations A  bird's eye view of the wrecked white plane in a field. To the top are dark green bushes, dry white grass at the bottom of shot, and the corner of a muddy brown field top left, with three small figures wearing hi vis walking along the edge. Fife Jammer Locations
The plane came down in a field near Fife Airport

A rescue helicopter was sent to the crash site as well as specialist units from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS)

A SFRS spokesperson said: "We were alerted at 11:38 on Monday 23 December to an incident involving a light aircraft near Kinglassie, Fife.

"Operations Control mobilised two appliances and a heavy rescue unit to the scene to assist emergency services partners."

The AAIB said an investigation had been launched.

A spokesperson said: "A team of inspectors are travelling to the accident site to make inquiries and gather evidence as part of the process of conducting a safety investigation."

Fife Jammer Locations A red and white helicopter hovers in a grey sky above a field. Four bushes below and yellow-brown grass.Fife Jammer Locations
A rescue helicopter and specialist teams were dispatched to the crash site