Pilot killed after light aircraft crashes into cliffs in Cornwall
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Yesterday afternoon a light aircraft, which had just taken off from Perranporth Flying Club, crashed into a cliff and burst into flames.
The Daily Mail reports that the pilot, who has not yet been named, was killed when the plane burst into flames.
The accident happened at a beauty spot known as Sheep Rock, Nancekuke, near Portreath.
Witnesses said that the plane was surrounded by flames. The fire is presumed to have started when fuel from the ruptured tanks caught fire.
Police, fire and rescue and HM coastguard all rushed to the scene, but could not get there fast enough to save the pilot, who is believed to be from St Austell.
Investigators are now trying to establish exactly what happened.
A police spokesman said: "At 4.05pm an aircraft left Perranporth Flying Club. Very shortly afterwards it collided with cliffs. It was on fire and the plane landed on top of the cliff face.
"Nobody else is thought to have been in the aircraft and there were no casualties on the ground.
"Police, fire and rescue and HM Coastguard all attended the scene with the aircraft reported on fire.
"Following early investigation, the pilot of the aircraft has died as a result of the incident."
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the wreckage of the plane hanging from the cliff edge, with smoke rising above it.
Click on the image below to see some of the best beaches in Cornwall...
Best beaches in Cornwall
- Lusty Glaze<p> One of Newquay's famous five beaches, this perfect horseshoe-shaped cove is great for swimmers, surfers and families. <strong>Don't miss:</strong> the Kitchen beach bar, with its laid-back atmosphere and music events, was recently named as one of Europe's finest in an Orange holiday guide. Who needs St Tropez when you can have Lusty Glaze?</p>
- Gwithian<p> With its white sand and frothy rollers, Gwithain beach is a real gem, and a particularly good spot for sunsets. Stretching for more than three miles right up to Godrevy Point, if you get this far you may be lucky enough to see the seal colony. Look out for pods of dolphins, too. <strong>Gourmet tip:</strong> Stop for a homemade cake at the Jam Pot, a listed historic building overlooking the whole of St Ives Bay.</p>
- Mawgan Porth<p> By far one of the prettiest, safest and expansive beaches in the area, Mawgan Porth offers fabulous swimming, family surfing and body boarding. <strong>Top tip:</strong> Book in for a family sufing lesson at <a href="http://www.kingsurf.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kingsurf</a> – the affable owner, Pete Abell, is an inspiration. Oh, and make sure you have a cream tea at the Merrymore Inn afterwards.</p>
- Bedruthan Steps<p> Bedruthan Steps forms part of one of the most spectacular sections of the north Cornwall coast. Huge outcrops of volcanic rock are scattered along the length of the beach – you can walk around them at low tide. <strong>Perfect if you:</strong> are relatively fit. Access to the beach is via a long and very steep staircase.... Arriving is more fun than leaving.</p>
- Crantock Beac<p> Although it's only a stonesthrow away from bustling Newquay, Crantock is a different world. This is a secret spot for avoiding the summer crowds: due to its relative remoteness, Crantock offers relative calm during the peak season. <strong>Top tip:</strong> Take the ferry from Newquay to Crantock Bay and stop at the <a href="http://www.fernpit.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fern Pit Café</a>.</p>
- Portreath<p> Set in a steep valley, Portreath was once a busy port but it's now left largely to holidaymakers, surfers, and the odd fisherman. <strong>Perfect for:</strong> Scenic walks. The coastal footpath west towards St Ives Bay offers some jolly good scenery of the coastline, dotted by Deadman's Cove and Hell's Mouth – names which bear testament to the tales of shipwrecks and smuggling in the area.</p>
- Harlyn Bay<p> Backed by lovely dunes and cliffs just a couple of miles outside Padstow, Harlyn Bay offers lots to explore and a sweeping cove popular with surfers. <strong>Don't miss:</strong> The cliffs at Trevose Head, which offer amazing views towards Pentire Head and Newquay beyond.</p>
- Trevone Bay<p> Often overlooked by holidaymakers, I think secluded Trevone beach is well worth a visit. A perfect mix of sand and rockpools makes it a lovely spot for families. <strong>Perfect if you:</strong> love crabbing or collecting shells.</p>
- Polzeath Beach<p> Despite being one of the most popular beaches in north Cornwall, Polzeath still somehow manages to maintain a laid-back, typically Cornish character. The influx of families, surfers, bodyboarders, kayakers and sunbathers all mix happily on this glorious beach in unspoilt surroundings. <strong>Best for:</strong> Everyone. Last time I was here it was pouring with rain... but the kids still absolutely loved running around in their wetsuits on the open sands.</p>
- Bude<p> <a href="http://www.visitbude.info/site/tourist-information/hire-a-beach-hut" target="_blank">Bude</a> is all about soft sand and space for everybody, with top-notch surfing. The eastern end of Summerleaze beach you'll find a seawater swimming pool, which is re-filled by the tide every day. <strong>Top tip:</strong> Bag yourself a beach hut at Summerleaze or Crooklets beach, with prices from £62 per week.</p>
