Pilot killed in aircraft crash near Dunkeswell Airfield

A pilot has died after her light aircraft crashed near Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon on Friday morning. The woman, believed to be in her 40s, was flying alone when the plane went down on a farm adjacent to the airfield shortly after 10:00 BST.

Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and multiple ambulance crews, responded to the scene. The pilot was pronounced dead at the site. Authorities confirmed no one else was on board the aircraft and that her next of kin have been informed.

Superintendent Jo Arundale of Devon and Cornwall Police stated that officers will work closely with the Air Accident Investigation Branch to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the crash. She appealed to the public not to speculate and asked anyone with relevant footage to contact police directly rather than posting it online. The force expressed its condolences to the pilot's family and friends.

Nick Stevens, founder of Connetts Farm where the crash occurred, said he was working nearby when he saw a serious fire. He initially feared it was one of his barns but discovered it was the light aircraft upon arrival. Emergency services were already on scene, and road closures were in place...