One individual has tragically passed away following a light aircraft crash in Ireland. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the plane, crashed in a field near Waterford Airport. Witnesses observed the aircraft rapidly losing altitude just before 1pm today, sustaining significant damage.
The pilot issued an emergency declaration approximately 100 miles off the southeast coast while on a route towards the west coast of France and the Mediterranean coast. Despite attempting to return and land at Waterford Airport with its longer runway, the aircraft, believed to be a Vulcanair bound for Beziers, France, could not reach its destination and began descending rapidly over the coast before ultimately crashing in a field.
An air accident investigation has been initiated by the Department of Transport in response to the incident, with the Department’s Air Accident Investigation Unit leading the inquiry in collaboration with the Irish Aviation Authority.
A representative from the Irish Aviation Authority stated, “We are aware of an aircraft accident in Co. Waterford. The Air Accident Investigation Unit of the Department of Transport is actively investigating the incident alongside emergency services.”
Additionally, a Garda spokesperson confirmed the collision involving a light aircraft near Tramore, Co. Waterford, around 12:50 pm today. As the operation is ongoing, no further details are available at this time.
Sinn Fein TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, expressed concern over reports of a twin-engine plane crash near Waterford City, urging support for emergency services and respecting road closures near Waterford Airport.
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