Emergency services issue update after small plane crash lands on marshes near BAE Warton Aerodrome

The light aircraft ditched into the marshes behind the BAE site shortly before 3.00pm, after reportedly suffering engine trouble.

In a new update this evening, HM Coastguard advised that the incident is ongoing, with rescue teams from Lytham St Annes and Knott End sent to support.

The BAE have also confirmed that the plane was not one of their aircrafts and could not comment as the incident was not on their land. A person was recovered by air ambulance and is described as ‘safe and well’.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: “Two fire engines from Lytham and Wesham attended an incident at 2.52pm. This involved a small aircraft on Bank Lane, Warton, in which there were no casualties and minimal damage to the aircraft.

“Fire crews remain in attendance making the scene safe and the incident is being handed over to the police and Air Accidents Investigation Branch.”

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “HM Coastguard is responding to an incident involving a downed light aircraft at Warton Airfield this evening, Wednesday 5 November.

“Alerted at around 3pm, coastguard rescue teams from Lytham St. Annes and Knott End have been sent to support.

“The casualty was recovered by air ambulance safe and well. North West Ambulance Service and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service are also in attendance.”

A local plane spotter, who saw the plane moments before the crash, said: “Just watched a light aircraft struggle over the windmill, sounded like engine trouble, he seemed to go along the quays very low and turned sharp right, looks like he didn't make the airfield at Warton.”

Lancashire Police, the Civil Authority Agency and Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) have been approached for comment. It is understood the incident will be investigated by the AAIB.