Probe launched into light aircraft crash death

An investigation was under way today after a light aircraft crashed killing the pilot, police said.

West Yorkshire Police said the 31-year-old was the only person aboard the plane which came down in a field next to the River Aire between Castleford and Methley.

Paramedics pronounced the pilot dead at the scene and no one else was injured, a police spokesman said.

Police said emergency services were called to the scene at about 4.10pm yesterday.

The spokesman added: "Emergency services attended and located the wreckage of a singer-seater light aircraft in a field next to the River Aire on Leeds Road at Methley.

"It had been piloted by a 31-year-old local man who was confirmed by paramedics to have died at the scene. No other injuries were reported and the aircraft had not come into contact with any other buildings or structures as a result of the incident.

"An investigation into this matter is now under way between the Civil Aviation Authority with West Yorkshire police on behalf of the coroner."