Pilot in his 60s dies after small plane crashes at former RAF airfield - as authorities begin investigation into the tragedy

A pilot has died after a small plane crashed at a former RAF airfield - as authorities begin an investigation into the tragedy.

Officers from the East Midlands Ambulance Service and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service rushed to Spanhoe Airfield near Corby just before 1pm today after receiving calls about a light aircraft crash landing at the site.

The pilot, a man in his 60s, was the only person in the aircraft, a police statement confirmed.

Northamptonshire and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) will both remain at the scene while authorities probe the circumstances and cause of the shocking incident.

In a statement Northamptonshire Police said: 'A pilot has sadly died after a light aircraft came down at Spanhoe airfield, near Laxton, Corby.

'Police officers, alongside colleagues from East Midlands Ambulance Service and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, first responded to calls at about 12.50pm today, Saturday, July 13. 

'The pilot, a man in his 60s, was the sole occupant of the aircraft.

'Northamptonshire Police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) have begun an investigation to establish the circumstances and cause of the incident. They will remain at the site while this takes place.

'Anyone who may have information that could help with the investigation is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

'Please quote incident number 242 of 13/07/24 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.'

Spanhoe Airfield, also known as RAF Spanhoe, was opened in 1943 and used during World War Two by both the and United States Air Forces.

Since 1947 the site, which lies around 80 miles north-northwest of London, has been deployed only very occasionally by the armed forces and is largely used for agriculture purposes although one runway remains.