AN AIRCRAFT has crashed at Blackbushe airport, leaving four people dead.

It is thought that the small plane overshot the runway at the airport, to the east of Hartley Wintney, and crashed into a car warehouse.

Police said four people on board - the pilot and three passrengers - were killed in the crash. There were no survivors.

In a statement, an airport spokesman said: "Blackbushe Airport confirmed that a Phenom 300 Jet with four persons on board crashed near the end of the runway around 3.09pm while attempting to make a landing.

"The scene was attended by Blackbushe Fire and Rescue within minutes, followed by Hampshire fire, police and ambulance units.

"Emergency services are currently controlling the scene."

British Car Auctions, based in Farnham, said the plane crashed into its warehouse.

Firefighters from Rushmoor, Hartley Wintney and Basingstoke were at the scene.

 

 


Robert Belcher, a local aviation enthusiast, said he was driving home when he saw a plume of black smoke coming from the site.

"I was passing the airport on my way home and there was a big column of smoke in the air.

"The fire service had closed the road behind me.

"I could see the plume of smoke waving from about five miles away and was hoping it was just a car fire rather than an aircraft accident."

Mr Belcher said he was "shocked" when he discovered that a jet had crashed.

He added: "Apparently the aircraft was landing and just didn't stop.

"At the end of the runway there is a car park because the airport is used for car auctions and it's gone into there.

"I assumed it was cars on fire in the auction yard.

"Local people have said that it was this aircraft which is registered in Saudi Arabia.

"It's been a regular visitor to the airport for a few months.

"The aircraft would hold six people, it's a small jet."

Footage from above the crash site, broadcast on Sky News, showed the immediate aftermath of the incident.

A dark plume of black smoke could be seen twisting into the sky, while an orange-red ball of fire raged below.

The fire appeared to be in the middle of a car park, with vehicles lined up for inspection at the auction site based at Blackbushe Airport.

Debris from the plane, believed to be a six-seater jet, could be seen strewn among the dozens of severely damaged cars.