Pilot Injured As Plane Crashes Into Block Of Flats

Shocking photos show the aftermath of a plane crashing into a block of flats in Oxfordshire, which saw the pilot hospitalised with ‘several injuries’. 

The incident happened in Upper Heyford, near Bicester, when a light aircraft crashed into the building at around 12pm on Saturday (2 April). 

Thankfully, police have confirmed the block of flats was empty at the time, meaning no one else was hurt.

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The pilot, meanwhile, was taken to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford to be treated, although the extent of his injuries is not known.  

Thames Valley Police said in a statement: "The light aircraft crashed into an unoccupied block of flats near Camp Road in Upper Heyford at about midday today. 

"The pilot has suffered several injuries and has been taken to hospital. No-one else has been injured as a result of the incident.

"Thames Valley Police has put a small cordon in place at the scene, however at this time no local residents need to be evacuated. 

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"We would urge anyone with any footage or information to contact the force by calling 101, quoting reference 857." 

An eye witness told the BBC that she saw the pilot parachuting down onto an old RAF base, having been out walking her dogs when she saw the aircraft hit the building. 

Tisa Kilby, 55, said: "I looked up and literally saw this guy leap out of this plane and thought, that's an odd place to be parachuting. 

"Within four or five seconds the plane nose-dived and crashed into the block of flats." 

While the village is home to an RAF base, it has not been confirmed whether or not a military plane was involved. 

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South Central Ambulance Service referred to the victim as an ‘older victim’, saying he was he was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. 

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it has launched an investigation, adding that inspectors have started searches at the scene. 

The branch said: “An accident in Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire, involving a light aircraft has been notified to the AAIB. 

“An investigation has been launched into the accident and a team of inspectors are at the accident site gathering evidence.”