Passenger killed as aircraft lands on tractor

A tractor driver was recovering at home tonight after an aircraft collided with his machine, killing one passenger and critically injuring the other.

Andrew Hill, who is in his 60s, walked away from the crash at Seething Airfield, in Seething, Norfolk, at about 1.50pm.

Paramedics said both men in the two-seater aircraft were in their 50s. One was pronounced dead at the scene and the other was being treated at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

Paramedic Paul Bassett, who attended the incident, said the tractor driver had a "lucky escape".

"From speaking to him myself, he didn't see the aircraft coming," said Mr Bassett.

"He heard the bang and wondered what it was. It was a lucky escape."

Mr Bassett said the aircraft collided with the front of the crop-spraying tractor and came to a halt about 30ft away.

He said the aircraft burst into flames shortly after.

The accident happened on a field next to the runway but within the airfield perimeter, Mr Bassett said.

"The tractor was spraying the field," he said.

"It remained upright. The only damage that I could see was to the large plastic truck which carries the liquid to put on to the field."

Mr Bassett said one of the men was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was in a "critical" condition in hospital.

Police said an investigation had been launched into the incident.

Mr Hill was at his home is Seething tonight but did not wish to speak with the media.

A woman, who answered his door, said: "He is in shock. He does not wish to say anything."

According to its website, Seething Airfield is privately owned and run on a voluntary basis.

It offers "low cost flying and pilot training to its membership", the website says.