Yorkshire plane crash leaves two dead after light aircraft comes down mile from airfield

Pilot and passenger found dead in wreckage, police confirm

Firefighters and coastguard joined police officers in searching for the wreckage overnight (Driffield Fire Station/Twitter)

The pilot and passenger of a light aircraft which crashed in Yorkshire have been confirmed dead by police.

Officers launched a search on Tuesday evening after reports an aeroplane had come down about a mile short of Beverley Airfield.

Initial reports suggested both people on board had survived the crash, but Humberside Police have now said that two bodies have been discovered in the wreck.

“Following an extensive search of the countryside close to Beverley Airfield near Leven a light aircraft has now been found,” the force said.

“The aircraft had crashed and sadly both the pilot and a passenger who were the occupants of the aircraft suffered fatal injuries in the collision.”

The families of those who died have been informed and were being supported by specialist officers, police added.

Before the fatalities were confirmed, police officers were joined by local farmers, firefighters and a coastguard helicopter in searching for the crash site and any survivors in the dark.

“We want to thank all emergency services, volunteers and local residents involved in the search, their assistance is very much appreciated,” the force said.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch is on its way to the scene to begin an inquiry into the crash.

It is not yet known who was behind the controls of the plane which crashed, or the circumstances of the fatal accident.

Beverley Airfield is a small landing strip in East Yorkshire, popular with light aircraft enthusiasts, and is also home to Hull Aero Club, which offers special flights for non-pilots.