A WW2 Spitfire plane has crashed near Biggin Hill this afternoon.
A Spitfire MK912 crash landed earlier today (August 1), Biggin Hill Airport confirmed.
The single seater plane lost power shortly after take-off and was forced into an emergency landing.
The pilot reported a "rough-running" engine.
It came down on a grass area close to the airport boundary, along Main Road, around 12.30pm.
The pilot, Dan Griffith, carried out a ‘textbook’ landing and was reported to be alright following the accident.
He was the only person aboard the aircraft, which was badly damaged on impact.
MORE TOP STORIES A spokesman for the London Ambulance Service (LAS) confirmed they treated a man in his 50s with arm and shoulder injuries, and he was taken to Kings College Hospital.
His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
Emergency services swarmed the scene after the crash, including the airport's Fire and Rescue Service.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) also sent seven fire engines to the site.
Will Curtis, managing director of the airport company, said: “Spitfires are very much a part of our heritage here at Biggin Hill and we must commend the pilot on his swift and decisive action in the circumstances. We look forward to seeing the aircraft flying again before too long.”
The Spitfire, which took part in the Battle of Britain 75 years ago, was based at the airport's Heritage Hangar.
It will be repaired and returned to service in due course.
The Air Accident Investigations Branch has been made aware of the crash.
A bad day for flying, another plane crashed this morning at the CarFest in Cheshire.
Spitfire MK912 this afternoon suffered a loss of power after takeoff and forced landed back on the airfield. The... http://t.co/VkhfcaJsoE
— BHHH (@BHHHltd) August 1, 2015
Spitfire crash at Biggin Hill. Been told pilot is ok and has been taken to hospital. pic.twitter.com/4Ht5Ku9Pdi
— Khurram Farooq (@khurramfarooq) August 1, 2015
That Spit crash is literally 100m away from my flying club at Biggin Hill! Scary stuff
— Jordan Webb (@jwebbjordan) August 1, 2015
@NewsShopper What's going on at Biggin Hill Airport this afternoon? Several police and fire engines up there.
— robert humphreys (@robhumphreys101) August 1, 2015
Also hearing news of a Spitfire going down at Biggin Hill, possibly engine failure then failing to reach the runway. @UKAirshowReview
— Jack Goward Photo (@JackGowardPhoto) August 1, 2015
#BigginHill: The pilot of the spitfire plane has been taken to hospital with minor injuries. No other persons were injured
— ChrisHawkswell, EP07 (@LAS_TacAdvisor) August 1, 2015
More to follow.
Did you see what happened? Get in touch on 07584348314.
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