One person is still fighting for their life as another was left seriously injured
Witnesses said a light aircraft ‘snapped in two’ after crashing shortly after take-off at Barton Aerodrome on Tuesday, April 29
An investigation has been launched following a plane crash at Barton Aerodrome earlier this week. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that whilst still in it’s early stages, it may involve the aviation authorities.
Two people were left seriously injured, as one remains fighting for their life in hospital.
Police, paramedics and firefighters rushed to the airport in Eccles, Salford at about 5.30pm on Tuesday evening, April 29. Two men were rushed to Salford Royal Hospital.
A witness said: “The plane taxied down the runway and upon reaching the end of the runway there was a loud pop sound and the engine cut-off after the plane had already taken off and was about two or three metres in the air.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“It continued to coast at a really low altitude before the wing struck the ground on one side. It then rolled over completely upside down and the plane snapped into two pieces.
“They then sounded an alarm and over the course of the next five to 10 minutes around 20 or so emergency vehicles arrived including police fire and ambulance.”
The men’s injuries were initially described as ‘non-life-threatening’, but Greater Manchester Police have since said one is now fighting for life.
“Two men have been taken to hospital, one with life-threatening injuries and another with potentially life-changing injuries,” said the force in a statement just before 7pm on Tuesday.
“A scene is in place whilst emergency service workers conduct their enquiries and people are asked to avoid the area.”
(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Barton Aerodrome has said that the government’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been informed. A spokesperson for the airport said on Tuesday: “Today at 5.07pm an aircraft accident occurred within the Barton Aerodrome boundary, the AAIB have been informed and are carrying out an investigation.
“Our onsite rescue and firefighting service attended the incident and have worked alongside external emergency services.”
The wreckage of the aircraft could be seen as the light faded on the aerodrome field.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said on Tuesday: “At around 5.30pm today three fire engines from across Greater Manchester and the technical response unit attended an aircraft crash at Barton Aerodrome, Eccles.
“Firefighters arrived quickly and assisted Greater Manchester Police, North West Ambulance Service and the airport fire service in making the area safe and helping two casualties out of the aircraft.
“Both casualties were transferred into the care of North West Ambulance Service and transferred to Salford Royal Hospital. Crews were in attendance for roughly one hour.”
The aerodrome added that ‘further details will be provided when available’.