Tri-Service

Spitfire Crashes After Losing Power During Takeoff

A Spitfire was forced to make a sudden landing at Biggin Hill Airport after losing power following takeoff.

The Second World War fighter plane was "badly damaged" in the crash, according to a statement from Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar Ltd, supporters club, while emergency services said one man received minor injuries.

A Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar Ltd statement said: "Spitfire MK912 this afternoon suffered a loss of power after takeoff and forced landed back on the airfield. The aircraft is badly damaged but pilot Dan Griffith carried out a text book forced landing and is OK."

London Fire Brigade were called at 1.39pm.

A spokesman said: "A single engine Spitfire came down in a field at airport perimeter. One adult male with minor injuries (was) removed by London Ambulance Service."

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson, meanwhile, said: "We treated one patient - a man in his 50s for shoulder and arm injuries. He was taken to King's College Hospital."

His condition is not thought to be life threatening or changing.

Scotland Yard said that no-one else was on board when the single seater plane crash landed.

The Air Accident Investigations Branch has been informed.