Champion Pilot Killed In Air Display Crash

An award-winning pilot has died after his light aircraft crashed during an aerobatics display in Norfolk.

Emergency crews were called to Old Buckenham Airfield near Attleborough at about 2.40pm after a member of the public raised concerns about a plane flying in the area.

The pilot, David Jenkins, was flying an Edge 360 plane, which is understood to have been taking part in a media event to launch the Old Buckenham Airshow.

Mr Jenkins, who was in his 50s, was a member of the Wildcat Aerobatic Team, based at the airfield.

A friend, who did not wish to be named, said: "He was the best bloke I knew.

"He was highly skilled and knew exactly what he was doing."

According to his profile on the team's website, Mr Jenkins bought the Edge aircraft in 2009 and was a two-time British advanced aerobatic champion.

Simon Garrett, a pilot who flew out of the airfield on Wednesday morning, said he found out about the crash when he returned and was diverted elsewhere.

He said: "It is a terrible tragedy and very unusual because the teams involved are highly skilled.

"I knew the gentleman involved and he was very experienced."

A Norfolk Police spokesman said: "Officers attended, along with colleagues from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service, to find wreckage near to the airfield.

"Police believe one person has died as a result of the crash and officers are currently trying to identify and inform next of kin."

The crash site has been cordoned off and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch informed.