Popham Airfield reopens after 'serious' plane crash

As previously reported, a 62-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries after a plane crashed and overturned at Popham Airfield, trapping him inside.

The crash, involving a single light aircraft, happened shortly before 6pm on Sunday, August 23. The airfield was subsequently closed and reopened on Tuesday, August 25.

Emergency services said he sustained serious and potentially life-threatening and life-changing injuries. He was taken to Southampton hospital by road ambulance.

David Hammer, Popham Airfield manager (Image: Newsquest)

The manager of Popham Airfield, David Hammer, issued a statement confirming an investigation is underway to identify the cause of the crash.

He said: "We have had to close the airfield until further notice. It was a student flyer getting to the end of his training."

He added: "Popham Airfield management can confirm that an incident involving a flexwing microlight aircraft occurred on site yesterday, Sunday, 23 August, at approximately 6pm.

"The incident occurred during landing. The sole occupant of the aircraft was a student pilot. Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, and the pilot was subsequently transported to Southampton General Hospital for medical care.

"Our immediate thoughts and support are with the pilot and their family during this difficult time. We would also like to thank the emergency services who attended the scene.

Planes grounded at Popham (Image: Newsquest)

"The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified and is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Popham Airfield is fully cooperating with the authorities and will remain closed to all aircraft movements until the preliminary investigation is concluded and operations can safely resume.

"Further updates regarding the reopening of the airfield will be issued in due course."

Police, air ambulance, the fire service and road ambulance all attended the incident.

A spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said: "Firefighters were called to a light aircraft crash at Popham Airfield at around six o’clock yesterday evening.

"Crews from Rushmoor, Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester were alerted to the scene alongside police and ambulance teams.

"One casualty was released from the aircraft and passed into the care of paramedics.

'Airfield closed' (Image: Newsquest)

"Firefighters made the aircraft safe, before the incident was handed over to police to manage the scene.

"Fire engines began to depart and return to station at half seven."

A spokesperson for South Central Ambulance Service said: "We received a 999 call at 17:43 yesterday for a microlite crash at Popham Airfield with reports of the pilot trapped.

"Our first crew on scene arrived at 17:59. Air ambulance and critical care doctors also attended. Police and fire also attended.

"The patient, a 62-year-old male, was freed and taken to Southampton hospital at 19:02 by road."

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called at 5.45pm with reports of a collision at Popham Airfield involving a single light aircraft which had overturned.

"The pilot, a man aged in his 60s, has sustained serious and potentially life-threatening and life-changing injuries.

"He has been taken to hospital for treatment.

"Officers have attended the scene and liaised with the Air Accident Investigation Branch."