Two people have been seriously injured in a light aircraft crash at Barton Aerodrome near Manchester.
The ancient occurred just after 5pm this evening and witnesses describe the aircrafts engine cutting out shortly after take-off before the wing hit the ground and the aircraft impacted the ground splitting in half.
Airport fire and rescue attended the scene along with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue and North West Ambulance service.
A statement from the GMP said: “Emergency services are currently responding to a plane crash at Barton Aerodrome. Two men have been taken to hospital, one with life-threatening injuries and another with potentially life-changing injuries. A scene is in place whilst emergency service workers conduct their enquiries and people are asked to avoid the area.”
A later statement from Barton Aerodrome added: “Today at 5.07pm an aircraft accident occurred within the Barton Aerodrome boundary, the AAIB have been informed and are carrying out an investigation. Our onsite RFFS attended the incident and have worked alongside external emergency services. The two persons on board the aircraft have been taken to hospital via road ambulance.”
Air Accident Investigators are attending the scene and will carry out an investigation into the cause of the accident.