A light aircraft crashed into a field near Whitehouse Road in Stebbing, Essex this afternoon, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
The incident occurred at around 1:30pm (BST), with fire crews, ambulance teams, Essex Police, and the air ambulance all attending the scene.
According to the East of England Ambulance Service, the pilot, described as an adult male, was taken to Broomfield Hospital near Chelmsford. Fortunately, his injuries were reported to be minor, and he was transported by road.
Firefighters from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service played a key role in the response. Station Manager Scott Fretton said crews worked alongside emergency personnel to assist the injured pilot. He added:
“They used an off-road vehicle to dampen down the area around the aircraft as there was a risk it would set alight.”
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) confirmed it is investigating the incident.
“We’re aware of an accident involving a light aircraft,” a spokesperson said. “An investigation into the cause has begun, and a report will be published in due course.”
The location of the crash is not far from Andrewsfield Aviation, a small airfield less than two miles away. Stebbing itself sits roughly halfway between Stansted Airport and Braintree, and the area is popular with recreational pilots.
At this stage, the cause of the crash remains unknown, and authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation until the official findings are released.
