Air accident investigators sent to Prestwick crash site after two airlifted to hospital

An investigation has been launched after a light aircraft crashed near Prestwick Airport with two people airlifted to hospital.

Police were called to Monkton following reports of a small aircraft crashing in a field with two people onboard at around 4pm on Tuesday, April 21.

Two men, aged 65 and 75, were taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital by helicopter for treatment to serious injuries.

The crash is now being investigated by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) which sent a multi-disciplinary team to the site.

The A719 was closed at the B739, Monkton, while emergency services dealt with the crash before it re-opened at around 7.30pm on Tuesday night.

Police responded to the incident near to Prestwick Airport.

A spokesperson for the AAIB said: “We have sent a multi-disciplinary team of AAIB inspectors to Prestwick to begin investigating an accident involving a light aircraft which occurred last night.”

Police said enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full circumstances behind the crash.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 4.10pm on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, we received a report of a small aircraft having crashed in a field near to the A719 at Monkton.

“Emergency services attended and two men aged 65 and 75 were taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital by helicopter for treatment to serious injuries.

“The A719 was closed at the B739, Monkton and re-opened around 7.30pm.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”