Pilots hurt in RAF helicopter crash

Two pilots have been injured after a Sea King helicopter crashed at an RAF base.

The aircraft crashed and rolled onto its side on the runway at RAF St Mawgan near Newquay, Cornwall.

Flight Lieutenant Tony Marshall said the helicopter was being used by members of 203 Squadron.

He said: "Accident response teams including fire, rescue, medical and civil police were quickly on scene and we are happy to report that both pilots were able to evacuate the aircraft and suffered only minor injuries."

He said an RAF board of inquiry will now be convened to look into the incident.

He said the impact had caused the rotor blades to shatter, leaving debris on the runway.

But the cause of the crash is not yet known, nor is it possible to tell the full extent of damage to the aircraft.

He appealed for anyone at the adjacent Newquay Airport or near the base who saw the crash to come forward.

"Any members of the public who witnessed the incident, particularly those able to record it with photographs or video footage, are asked to contact the station."

The RAF said the airfield remains open.