A pilot was taken to hospital with serious injuries after an incident during the Stow-Maries Air Show at Stow Maries Aerodrome in Purleigh near Maldon on Sunday. The show was stopped after one of the Turbulent Team's light aircraft became damaged during a low-level display.
Emergency services were called at about 14:25 BST, and police said the sole occupant of the aircraft was taken to hospital in London. The East of England Ambulance Service said paramedics were in attendance, and Essex Police said no other injuries had been reported.
Stow Maries Aerodrome
A spokesperson for the Essex venue said it was co-operating with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch and emergency services. The public were asked to avoid the area so responders could work at the scene, and the site remained closed to the public after the incident.
A spokesperson for Stow Maries said the incident happened during part of the Turbulent Team's well-practised routine. Even with that description, one of the aircraft became damaged and the pilot was seriously injured, leaving the display halted and the venue shut while responders dealt with the aftermath.
Air Accidents Investigation Branch
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch said it was aware of the incident at an airshow near Chelmsford and would deploy an inspector to undertake an initial assessment. It said next steps on a further investigation would be communicated next week.
For anyone planning to visit, the immediate change is simple: the site is closed, the display has stopped, and access is being kept clear while investigators and emergency services continue their work. The open question is what caused the aircraft to become damaged during the low-level display.
