A plane crashed into a field near Glasgow Prestwick Airport, with two men aboard. The Record reports that the two individuals—aged 65 and 75—are a student pilot and an instructor. Both sustained serious injuries and were airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow for treatment.
The incident occurred just after 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, in Monkton, involving a G-BVNS small aircraft. According to a source who spoke to the Record, engine failure is suspected as the cause of the crash, even though the plane got a new engine just eight months ago. Police are investigating to confirm the exact cause.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said, “It’s a flight school plane and two people have been taken to hospital in Glasgow. They are in serious condition but stable. The primary suspect is engine failure, though the engine was recently replaced.” The police also stated that they closed the A719 at the B739 in Monkton to manage the situation, and they advised people to avoid the area. The road reopened around 7:30 p.m.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service responded to the crash. A spokesperson said, “We were alerted at 4.05 p.m. to reports of a crash involving a small aircraft at Monkton, Prestwick. Our operation control mobilized two appliances and specialist heavy rescue equipment to the scene. Crews remain in attendance.” They confirmed that two casualties were transported to the hospital.
Police Scotland Ayrshire released a statement saying, “Around 4.10 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, we received a report of a small aircraft having crashed in a field near to the A719 at Monkton. Emergency services attended, and two men aged 65 and 75 were taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital by helicopter for treatment for serious injuries.” The statement also noted that inquiries are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
