WWII Plane Crashes at Heveningham Hall Airshow
A vintage World War II plane flipped on landing at Heveningham Hall in Suffolk, injuring the pilot just as a major airshow weekend kicked off. The restored Grumman FM2 Wildcat came down hard around 5:15 pm on Thursday within the sprawling 5,000-acre estate.
Emergency Services Rush to Scene
Suffolk Police confirmed the single-seat fighter was attempting to land near Halesworth when it overturned. Ambulance crews and Suffolk Fire and Rescue raced to the scene. The pilot, seriously hurt, was airlifted to hospital by the East Anglian Air Ambulance, a key charity supported by the venue’s annual country fair.
Investigation Underway as Show Goes On
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) quickly arrived to examine the wreckage and piece together what went wrong. An area of the estate remains cordoned off while inspectors gather evidence.
Heveningham Hall’s big Concours event — a top UK show celebrating vintage cars and historic aircraft — is still set to go ahead this weekend despite the drama. A spokesperson confirmed the pilot is recovering well.
What’s Next?
The AAIB probe aims to uncover the cause of the crash to prevent future accidents. With crowds expected for the weekend festivities, officials are working hard to ensure safety stays top priority at this celebrated Suffolk hotspot.
