A pilot has sustained serious injuries after a light aircraft he was flying crashed into a field near Masham, North Yorkshire. Emergency services were notified at 12:20 PM on February 18, when the aircraft was reported to have come down. Upon arrival, emergency crews located the pilot, who was believed to be the only person aboard the aircraft, and quickly transported him to the hospital via air ambulance due to the severity of his injuries.

North Yorkshire Police confirmed that an investigation into the incident is underway, with the Air Accident and Investigation Branch being informed as part of standard protocol for aircraft accidents. The swift response from local fire services, including teams from Leyburn, Thirsk, and Ripon, underscores the seriousness of the crash, as they worked to extricate the pilot safely from the wreckage.

This incident adds to ongoing concerns surrounding aviation safety in the region, particularly regarding small aircraft operations. The investigation led by the relevant authorities may shed light on the factors that contributed to the crash, as both the pilot's health and the aircraft's condition will be closely examined. This tragic event has sparked interest and concern in the local community, highlighting the risks associated with light aircraft flights.