Pilot dead after light aircraft crashes near gliding centre in Perth and Kinross

A man has died after a light aircraft crashed near a gliding centre in Perth and Kinross.

The alarm was raised after the plane crashed near the Scottish Gliding Centre at Scotlandwell around 2pm on Monday.

An 81-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Fire crews, paramedics, and Police Scotland are currently attending the scene and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has launched an investigation into the incident.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 1.40pm on Monday, October 27, we received a report of a light plane crash at an airfield near Scotlandwell, Kinross.

“Emergency services attended and an 81-year-old man, the pilot, was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin are aware.

“No one else was injured.

“The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been informed and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

An SAS spokesperson said: “We received a call at 1.40pm to attend an incident in Portmoak, Kinross. We dispatched an ambulance, two special operations response teams (SORT), a critical care paramedic (CCP) to the scene.”

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at around 1.44pm on Monday, 27 October, to an incident involving a light aircraft in Portmoak, Kinross.

“Operations Control mobilised three appliances and a specialist resource to the area.

“Sadly, a man was found to have passed away at the scene. There were no other casualties reported.

“Crews have now left the scene after ensuring the area was made safe.”

Local politicians expressed their sympathies following reports of the crash.

Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and Kinross-shire, said: “This is deeply concerning news and my thoughts are with everyone involved in this incident.

“I would like to thank the emergency services for their swift and professional response, and I know the whole community will be hoping for the best possible outcome.”

Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, said: “This will be a worrying time for everyone in the local area, particularly those connected to the Scottish Gliding Centre.

“I am grateful to all the emergency responders working at the scene and will continue to monitor the situation closely as more information becomes available.”