Bournemouth Air Festival suspends flying after light aircraft crashes in Poole harbour – Sky News

A light aircraft crashed into Poole Harbour, police said, with occupants of the aircraft rescued and treated for minor injuries.
Sunday 5 September 2021 07:05, UK
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Flying at the Bournemouth Air Festival has been suspended after a light aircraft crashed into Poole Harbour.
CCTV footage showed the plane hitting the water and then flipping over. Police said the two people on board only suffered minor injuries.
Dorset Police said: “We received a report at 3.50pm on Saturday 4 September 2021 that a small aircraft had crashed into the water in the Sandbanks area of Poole Harbour.
Came down right in front of us. Glad to see the crew were rescued ok. #bournemouthairfestival pic.twitter.com/lxHuQPWP0j
“The aircraft was part of the Bournemouth Air Festival flight schedule with two people reported to be onboard.
“Both occupants have been rescued and are reported to have sustained minor injuries. They are receiving treatment by the ambulance service.
“An investigation is under way and we would please ask members of the public to avoid the area and harbour to allow emergency services to deal with the incident. A police cordon is currently in place.”
There was also a fire as a result of the crash, the fire service added.
Two RNLI lifeboats were sent to the scene, along with the coastguard helicopter and rescue teams.
Reports locally suggest the aircraft involved was a wing-walking biplane.
(2/2) The festival site remains open and all ground-based activities continue with the Birds of Prey, Beat Retreat, trading, Sing-a-long Grease and the fireworks.
Flying at the four-day event has been suspended, however the rest of the festival site remains open.
Bournemouth Air Festival said: “Following the incident earlier today, the site of the crash has been secured and will remain so overnight. Members of the public are requested to avoid the area. The aircraft will be recovered in due course, subject to tides and harbour traffic.
“We would like to thank the RNLI, Coastguard, South West Ambulance, Dorset Police, Poole Harbour Commissioners and all those who took part in the rescue of the two people aboard the aircraft.
“It is a huge relief for all those involved in the Air Festival that the incident has resulted in the display crew being removed from the water safe and well.
“We would also like to thank members of the public for bearing with us all and continuing to make the most of the fabulous ground programme that continued at the Air Festival this afternoon and into the evening.
“We expect a good programme of flying to take place tomorrow”.
A man named Alex, who saw the crash take place while he was fishing, told Sky News: “It was just terrifying to watch.
“The plane hit the water nose first and then the pilot and the wing walker were submerged for about 10 seconds or so before they managed to break free.
“Once they did, luckily there was a rib (rubber dinghy) nearby so the rib came over, pilots seemed very calm… but the poor girl was just screaming. But luckily, both of them, they they seemed OK, apart from the shock. It was lucky the rib was there.”
The incident comes 10 years after a fatality at the event, which killed Red Arrows pilot Flt Lt Jon Egging, when his plane crashed into the sea.
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