Pilot plucked from sea after light aircraft crash

A pilot was airlifted to safety tonight after his two-man aircraft crashed off the Wexford coast.

The light aircraft, believed to have been flown from Britain, went down at Tuskar Rock shortly before 5pm.

The pilot, the only person on board, was winched to safety by a rescue helicopter after he was spotted on the wing of the Avid Speedwing single engine aircraft.

It is understood he was suffering from shock and hypothermia.

A Department of Transport spokeswoman said the alarm was raised by someone who saw the plane plunge into the sea.

“The pilot’s injuries are not life-threatening,” said the spokeswoman. “He was safely winched off the aircraft at around 5.25pm this evening.

“He was met by an ambulance at Waterford Airport and transferred to hospital.”

It is not yet known from where in the UK the man had flown. The wreckage is being secured by coastguard crews and will be towed in to Rosslare Harbour.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) said two inspectors were sent to the scene to examine the aircraft and determine the cause of the crash.

“We don’t have any idea yet why it crashed,” said a spokesman.

Coast Guard crews said rowers on the British Orchid sailing boat raised the alarm when they saw the aircraft landing on the sea.

As the rescue helicopter arrived at the scene it was beginning to sink.

The Rosslare RNLI lifeboat, which was also on the scene within 28 minutes, stood by as the pilot was dramatically raised by the Irish Coast Guard helicopter.

The crew then towed the craft and landed it ashore at Carne beach.

Rosslare RNLI Coxswain Brendan Pitt said: “The pilot was lucky and conditions were quite calm.

“When he was safely winched into the helicopter we set about establishing a tow between the lifeboat and the aircraft that would keep it in one piece so that it can be technically examined by the experts.”