Pilot killed in light aircraft crash

A pilot who was killed when the light aircraft he was flying crashed was named today.

Emergency services were called at around 8pm yesterday after a light plane crashed near the village of Hartley, close to Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria.

The pilot was pronounced dead at the scene. He was the sole occupant of the plane.

A police spokesman said: "The pilot who sadly died after the light plane he was flying crashed in the Hartley area of Kirkby Stephen last night has been formally identified as 64-year-old David George Watt from Ladthwaite, Kirkby Stephen."

Police said the incident was being treated as a "tragic accident".

It is being investigated by the Air Accident Investigation Branch, assisted by Cumbria Constabulary.

Police said Mr Watt's family have been informed and are being supported by police officers.

The coroner has also been informed.