Two people have walked away from a fiery plane crash with their lives, thanks to the heroic efforts of bystanders, after a light aircraft came down in a caravan park in Bembridge this afternoon and erupted into flames.
The terrifying incident unfolded at around 2:30pm on Saturday, 12 April, shortly after the plane had taken off from Bembridge Airport. Witnesses reported hearing the engine cut out suddenly, prompting the pilot to attempt an emergency return to the airfield.
In a desperate bid to land safely, the plane reportedly clipped the top of a row of cottages on Hillway Road, destroyed a chimney, smashed through a garden fence, and crashed through a conservatory roof. Moments later, it spun around 180 degrees, plummeted into the caravan park and burst into flames.
Heroic Rescue Underway
Despite the intensity of the fire, both the pilot and passenger were pulled from the burning wreckage by quick-thinking members of the public who rushed to the scene without hesitation.
“Their actions were nothing short of heroic,” said Inspector Alex Dale of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary. “There is no doubt their bravery saved lives today.”
Only one person suffered a minor injury, with no one requiring hospital treatment. Incredibly, no one on the ground was hurt — a fact many locals say is nothing short of a miracle.
“If it had crashed just a few feet higher or lower, it would’ve gone straight through someone’s home,” said a resident.
Emergency Response and Investigation
A large emergency response was swiftly launched, with crews from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue, Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, and local police all attending. The air ambulance landed in a nearby field but was stood down once it was confirmed there were no serious injuries.
Firefighters tackled and extinguished the blaze quickly, while police officers secured the crash site and began taking statements from witnesses.
Flights have since resumed from Bembridge Airport, and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified. Investigators are expected to arrive on site to begin examining the wreckage and debris field to determine the cause of the engine failure.
Appeal for Information
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or captured footage of the incident to come forward.
Contact 101, quoting incident number 44250160063.
