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Investigation begins into stately home plane crash

Lorraine Revett Fire service at the scene of the crash at Heveningham HallLorraine Revett
It is the second light aircraft to crash at Heveningham Hall within a year

An investigation has begun after a light aircraft crashed at a stately home injuring two people.

Emergency services were called to Heveningham Hall - a Grade I listed mansion - near Halesworth, Suffolk at about 13:07 BST on Sunday.

The East of England Ambulance Service said a man and a woman were taken to Ipswich Hospital with minor injuries.

A spokesperson for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said: "An accident involving a light aircraft which occurred on Sunday at Heveningham Hall was notified to the AAIB. We have commenced an investigation."

Shortly after the crash, an eyewitness told the BBC: "The light aircraft crashed whilst attempting to land.

"Both occupants were able to exit, but then needed medical assistance."

Air Accidents Investigation Branch The aircraft following the crash at Heveningham HallAir Accidents Investigation Branch
A Wildcat crashed at Heveningham Hall on 6 July 2023

The incident occurred almost a year after an American World War Two plane crashed at the same site, seriously injuring the pilot.

A Grumman FM2 aircraft, known as a Wildcat, was one of 13 historic planes that were set to feature at the Heveningham Country Fair in July 2023.

An AAIB report, published last week, said the Wildcat flipped upon landing and was likely caused by turbulent weather softening the grass runway.

Event organisers told the AAIB they were planning to "implement additional operational coordination and risk management measures" for future events.

Guy Campbell/BBC Heveningham HallGuy Campbell/BBC
Heveningham Hall hosts regular events, including a country fair, car show and fireworks

Sunday's incident was the second plane crash in Suffolk at the weekend.

A light aircraft crashed on landing at Beccles airfield on Saturday morning.

The East of England Ambulance Service said four patients, who had managed to "extricate themselves" from the plane were assessed by paramedics and did not require hospital treatment.

An AAIB spokesperson, who descried the incident as "serious", said: "We have made initial inquires and will be conducting an investigation."

The AAIB is an independent unit within the Department for Transport which investigates civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents in order to improve aviation safety.

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