Halstead plane crash: Pilot in his 70s dies after light aircraft crashed into field in Essex
A MAN has died after a light aircraft crashed near a small village this morning.
Emergency services rushed to the scene near Pebmarsh, , at around 9.22am, where they found the craft ablaze.
Witnesses reported seeing a plane flying over before hearing its engine noise change, before fading to silence.
Police have now confirmed that a man in his 70s was pronounced dead at the scene.
They added that he was the only occupant of the plane.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has dispatched a team to evaluate the scene.
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A spokesperson for Essex Police: "We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding an incident involving a light aircraft in a field in Pebmarsh Road, Halstead.
"Sadly, we are now in a position to confirm a man, aged in his 70s, was found deceased at the scene.
"He was the sole occupant of the aircraft. Officers continue to work alongside investigators with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch to establish the circumstances around this incident."
The roads bordering the part of the field where the crash occurred will remain closed overnight as investigations continue.
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The force has appealed for witnesses to help determine the circumstances of the crash.
Anyone with information is urged to contact them on 101, quoting incident 270 of August 21.
Those who wish to make an anonymous report can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A spokesperson for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service added: "We were called to an incident on Pebmarsh Road in Halstead this morning at 9.22am.
"On arrival firefighters reported that a light aircraft was on fire. Firefighters from Colchester, Halstead and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service worked to quickly extinguish the fire.
"The incident was handed over to the police."
An AAIB spokesperson said: "A light aircraft accident near Halstead, in Essex, was reported to the AAIB this morning and a team has been sent to the scene to investigate."
The East of England Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.