Pilot dies after two gliders crashed while coming in to land

Emergency services were scrambled after the two aircraft collided

An "experienced pilot" has died after two gliders crashed while coming into land at an airfield. Emergency services were scrambled after the two aircraft collided at the private airfield in Hinton-in-the-Hedges near Brackley, Northants., on Saturday.

Police, fire and the ambulance service attended the scene at Hinton Airfield but the 45-year-old male victim, who has not been named, could not be saved. Northamptonshire Police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) have now launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the horror crash.

A police spokesperson said: "They will remain at the site while this takes place. Anyone who may have information that could help with the investigation, including mobile phone footage, is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101."

Hinton Airfield offers gliding, parachuting and private aviation and is the home of Banbury Gliding Club which confirmed an "incident" had taken place. A Banbury Gliding Club spokesperson said: "There was an incident at Hinton-in-the-Hedges airfield on Saturday 25th May 2024 involving two gliders.

"Both gliders were flown by experienced pilots. The AAIB has been informed." An East Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson added: 'We received a call at 3.48pm yesterday, Saturday 25 May to Hinton in the Hedges, Brackley.

"The caller reported a medical emergency. We sent a number of resources including a crewed ambulance and transported one patient to John Radcliffe Hospital."