Pilot dies after light aircraft crashes into Sussex field

Air Accidents Investigation Branch looking into incident after craft found north of Heathfield

A police officer on the road close to scene of a light plane crash in Heathfield, East Sussex which claimed the life of the pilot (PA)

The pilot of a light aircraft has died after his plane crashed into open ground in East Sussex, police have confirmed.

Emergency services were scrambled to the scene north of Heathfield shortly after 11am, with the fire brigade deployed to put out the flames engulfing the aircraft.

South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed that “a number of resources” were deployed to the location – however, the pilot is believed to have died instantly on impact with the ground.

An East Sussex Police spokesman said: “Emergency services were called to the scene off Herring Lane at 11.01am where the aircraft had caught fire after crashing.

“Unfortunately, the pilot is believed to have died instantly.

“His next-of-kin have been advised.”

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has confirmed it is looking into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

A spokesperson said: “The AAIB has sent a team to investigate an accident involving a light aircraft which crashed this morning near Heathfield, East Sussex.”

Additional reporting by PA