Investigators sent to scene after pilot dies in plane crash near East Lothian airfield

Investigators have been sent to the scene of a plane crash in East Lothian that left one man dead and another fighting for his life.

The light aircraft crashed near Lammerview, at East Fortune Airfield around 4.55pm on Thursday.

The pilot, a 40-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 42-year-old man, the passenger, has been taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in a critical condition.

Pictures from the scene showed police and ambulance services at the scene alongside fire crews near a former RAF station that is now home to the National Museum of Flight.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report of a light aircraft having crashed in the East Fortune area around 4.55pm on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

“Emergency services attended however the 40-year-old male pilot was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin is aware.

“The 42-year-old male passenger was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he is described as being in a critical condition.

“Enquiries remain ongoing and the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified.”

The AAIB confirmed on Friday that it is looking into the crash.

A spokesperson said: “The AAIB has been notified of an accident involving a light aircraft which occurred yesterday evening at East Fortune Airfield, near Edinburgh.

“An investigation has been launched and a multi-disciplinary team of inspectors has been sent to the accident site to gather evidence and begin making inquiries.”