olice said in a statement: “It was reported to police at 8.20pm that a light aircraft had crashed at the airport. Officers and other emergency services attended the scene. “Sadly, two people were pronounced dead.” The community is said to be “in shock” following the incident at the airport, where mangled wreckage could be seen burning on Tuesday evening as firefighters sprayed water over the small plane. The Ambulance Service said on Tuesday no patients were taken from the scene. A spokesman said they received a 999 call at 8.21pm following reports of an incident on Portaferry Road, Newtownards. Two emergency crews, a doctor and an ambulance officer were despatched to the incident. One eyewitness at the scene told the Belfast Telegraph the plane crashed into hedges located near the Cloud 9 restaurant. “An ambulance has left the scene, but fire crews are still there,” they said. “Lots of people are gathering round to see what is happening. “There’s a police car stationed at the main entrance.” The Ards airfield is the home of the Ulster Flying Club, where many have learned to fly in small trainer aircraft such as Cessnas. In a statement, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Police and other emergency services are currently in attendance at the scene of a crash involving a light aircraft at Newtownards airport. There are no further details.” A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service also confirmed crews were at the scene. They said the crew was tasked to the scene at around 8.20pm and three appliances were still in attendance last night. Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong expressed concern following the incident. Close
Emergency services at the scene of a major light aircraft crash in Newtownards on July 19, 2022 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph Emergency services at the scene of a major light aircraft crash in Newtownards on July 19, 2022 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) “It looks like a light aircraft has crashed upon landing,” she said. “There’s a lot of fire engines at the scene and the situation is very worrying. “It was a fine evening with no fog or obvious weather issues.” The Alliance representative said whoever was in the aircraft are likely members of the Ulster Flying Club. “A lot of people book flight experiences at the airport,” she explained. “But it wouldn’t be leisure flyers given the time it happened at.”
