Pilot walks away unhurt after light aircraft crash-lands in field

AIR ACCIDENT investigators have launched a probe into the circumstances behind a light aircraft crash in County Longford  that saw a pilot astonishingly walk free from the wreckage.

The incident occurred at around 10am on Tuesday, a short distance from Abbeyshrule Airfield, it has been revealed.

In a statement, the Department of Transport's Air Accident Investigation Unit confirmed a full inquiry into the incident was now underway.  

“On Tuesday, June 20 2023, the AAIU was notified of an accident involving a light aircraft that had conducted a forced landing in a field approximately five kilometres southeast of Abbeyshrule Airfield, County Longford," said a Department of Transport spokesperson. 

"Four AAIU inspectors deployed to the accident location near Paddinstown Lower Co. Westmeath to commence an Investigation. This entailed an initial inspection of the aircraft and a survey of the accident site."

The spokesperson confirmed a statement had since been taken from the pilot with the remains of the light aircraft now the subject of more rigorous technical inspection at an AAIU facility in County Meath.

"The Investigation also interviewed the pilot of the aircraft," added the spokesperson. 

"The aircraft wreckage has now been removed from the accident site and has been transported to the AAIU Wreckage Examination Facility in Gormanston, Co. Meath for further detailed examination. The Investigation is ongoing, and a final report will be published in due course.”