Plane Crash Lands and Bursts Into Flames Yet Pilot Miraculously Survives In Ireland

An Irish pilot had a miraculous escape yesterday after their plane crash-landed seconds before bursting into flames in county Longford.

After Dave Bruton, a multi-time Irish Aerobatic champion had to make an emergency manoeuvre by landing his small plane five kilometres from Abbeyshrule Airfield in Co Longford, he walked unharmed from the plane just before the fire engulfed it.

The miraculous escape occurred around 10 am yesterday morning in a field along the Longford-Westmeath border.

Dave’s experience and training were critical in his escape after the light aircraft's engine seized mid-flight. The Dubliner has racked up over 5,000 flying hours over the course of 25 years of unlimited aerobatics.

He spoke shortly after the ordeal saying “This event would have been only possible to survive with the knowledge and expertise of the pilot.”

As with any such incident, the Department of Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Unit will now be conducting an investigation into yesterday’s events.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said: “On Tuesday 20th June 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, Co. Longford.

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 also confirmed some details about the investigation saying: “The investigation also interviewed the pilot of the aircraft. 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.”