Plane crashes into woodland after taking off from airport in Kent – urgent probe launched
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Eyewitnesses say the plane took off from Rochester Airport in Kent before crashing into woodland nearby. An urgent investigation has been launched by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) while no planes are going in or out of the airport. Emergency services also remain at the scene.
Kent Police confirmed that two people were “inside the plane” but said no injuries were believed to have been reported.
Kent Fire and Rescue have confirmed they are at the scene of the crash.
A spokesperson for Rochester Airport said there is a “recovery situation” currently taking place away from the airfield.
The spokesman said: “I can confirm that there has been an incident and it is ongoing at the moment. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) have been informed.
“We are not actually having anything take off at the moment because there is a recovery situation going on away from the airfield
“I can’t say anything more because it’s part of the investigation.”
A spokesman for Kent Police confirmed that two people were “inside the plane”.
They said: “We were called at 11.01am on Monday 31 October 2022 to a report of a light aircraft collision in Common Road, Chatham. The plane is reported to have come to a stop inside a wooded area.
“Officers are at the scene along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service. Two people are reported to be inside the plane. Emergency services are working together to ensure those inside the plane are brought to safety. No injuries are believed to have been reported.
“Common Road is currently closed while the incident is dealt with.”
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A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are currently at the scene of a light aircraft crash on Common Road in Chatham.
“Two fire engines, an all-terrain-unit, and KFRS’ technical rescue team has been sent to the scene.
“Crews are working alongside partner agencies to rescue two people from the aircraft.”
The AAIB investigates civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents within the UK.
It can also provide assistance and expertise to international air accident investigations and organisations.
Rochester Airport is just outside of Rochester, Medway and facilitates public flights and provides a location for pilots to learn how to fly.