One dead after light aircraft crashes in field near Waterford Airport
The light aircraft crashed near Waterford Airport on Thursday afternoon. Picture: Howard Crowdy
One person has died after a light aircraft crashed in a field near Waterford Airport.
The crash happened after the plane attempted to make an emergency landing at the airport, having declared an emergency over the south coast shortly before 1pm.
Emergency services are at the scene, and the Waterford-based Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 117 has been dispatched.
The flight is believed to have left Sligo Airport earlier today shortly before 11.30am and was en route to France. It is understood the pilot was travelling to Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport, but according to Flightradar24 "turned around approximately 50km off the southern coast of Ireland, heading back in the direction of Waterford Airport”.
The aircraft was heading for Waterford Airport for an emergency landing when it crashed about 3km outside Tramore on the coast road to Dunmore East.
The twin-engine plane is believed to be privately owned. The pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
The understands the aircraft nosedived into a field at around 12.50pm.
Traffic in the area was diverted as emergency services worked at the scene. The Coast Guard helicopter that responded has returned to Waterford Airport.
Alongside a garda investigation, the Air Accident Investigation Unit is expected to open a full inquiry.
A garda statement issued on Thursday evening said: "Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of a light aircraft collision which occurred at Tramore, Co. Waterford at approximately 12.50pm this afternoon, Thursday, November 20, 2025. Initial reports indicate that there was one fatality, the sole occupant of the aircraft.
"The Air Accident Investigation Unit is at the scene and the Irish Aviation Authority has been notified. The scene is being preserved and investigations are ongoing."
A team of four inspectors is travelling to the site at Lisselan to begin an investigation into the crash, according to the Air Accident Investigation Unit.
In a statement, the AAIU said it had been notified of "an accident involving a twin-engined general aviation aircraft in the vicinity of Lisselan Co. Waterford this afternoon".
"The AAIU is deploying a team of four inspectors of air accidents to the accident site to commence an investigation."
Sinn Féin TD for Waterford David Cullinane said a rescue helicopter was among emergency services responding to the crash.
He said it was a “shock” to the local area, adding that the community’s thoughts are with whoever was on the plane.
Tramore and Waterford City West councillor Jim Griffin said: “I was heading in the direction of where the plane crashed when I saw emergency vehicles coming from all directions to the scene.
“Cars travelling the other way were flashing their lights at drivers warning of a situation further up ahead.
“Once I parked up to turn round and head back, I did look over at what was going on and saw what looked like an aircraft, but I couldn’t be too sure.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the pilot and his family.
“This is a terrible tragedy.”
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