Prestwick plane crash that 'seriously injured' two men being probed by watchdog

An investigation is underway by the air accidents watchdog after two men were 'seriously injured' in a plane crash near Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

The plane came down in a field on the grounds of Ladykirk House in Monkton, South Ayrshire, on Tuesday, April 23. The two men, aged 65 and 75, were airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow following the crash, which took place at around 4pm.

The Record understands that they were a student pilot and instructor in a G-BVNS small aircraft. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) says they now examining the incident.

A spokesperson for the AAIB said on Wednesday: “We have sent a multi-disciplinary team of AAIB inspectors to Prestwick to begin investigating an accident involving a light aircraft which occurred yesterday.”

A source told the Record that the crash could be due to suspected engine failure. Police have confirmed that enquries into the circumstances are ongoing.

They said: "It's a flight school plane and two people have been taken to hospital in Glasgow. They are in a serious condition but stable, primary suspect is engine failure, although it got a new engine eight months ago."

A spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 4.13pm on Tuesday to attend an incident at Monkton.

“We dispatched a number of resources to the scene, including our special operations, trauma and air ambulance teams.

“Two patients were transported to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 4.10pm on Tuesday, 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 to serious injuries.

“The A719 was closed at the B739, Monkton and reopened around 7.30pm.

“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was also in attendance.

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