Pilot, 71, dies after replica Spitfire crashes in Oxfordshire airfield
The replica WWII fighter crashed at Enstone Airfield (file photo)
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A 71-year-old pilot has died after his replica Spitfire crashed in an Oxfordshire airfield, police have said.
Emergency services descended on Enstone Airfield in Chipping Norton on Sunday afternoon to reports that a light aircraft had crashed shortly after taking off.
The pilot - the only person in the replica World War Two fighter plane - was pronounced dead at the scene, where an eyewitness reported seeing forensic tents on Monday.
A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: "Sadly, the pilot, believed to be a 71-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The replica Spitfire crashed shortly after take-off (file photo)
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"His family are being supported by specially trained officers. Formal identification and other coronial processes will take place in due course.
"The pilot, who was the only occupant of the plane, was flying a replica Spitfire, which crashed shortly after take-off. No one else was injured following this incident.
"Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue also attended, along with South Central Ambulance Service, and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)."
The AAIB also confirmed that its inspectors were "on-site, gathering evidence and making enquiries".
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Enstone Airfield, where the crash took place
Thames Valley Police urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has any footage or photographs that could help with their investigation to contact them online or by calling 101, quoting reference 43240359739.
Enstone Flying Club, which uses the civilian airfield, has confirmed the site has been closed following the crash.
This is the second death in a replica Spitfire in the area in less than a year; in August 2023, 68-year-old Trevor Bailey from Cheltenham also died flying one of the craft near Enstone.
The airfield, a stone's throw from nearby RAF Brize Norton, had been built during the Second World War for the air force's Bomber Command unit.
During the war, it had been used as a satellite airfield for Gloucestershire's RAF Moreton-in-Marsh.
It had been home to Vickers Wellington long-range bombers until 1944, as well as hosting US Air Force North American Harvard trainer aircraft until late 1946.
Since its changeover to commercial use in 1947, Enstone has been used as a base for flying lessons - and has featured in Amazon's motoring show The Grand Tour.
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