Investigation launched after plane crash near Abbeyshrule

An investigation is under way following a light aircraft crash on Tuesday near Abbeyshrule.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) was notified after a light aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in a field, some five kilometres south east of Abbeyshrule Airfield on Tuesday morning.

The pilot is reported to have escaped serious injury despite the aircraft later going up in flames.

A spokesperson for the Department of Transport confirmed that Four AAIU inspectors were deployed to the accident location near Paddinstown Lower in Westmeath to commence the investigation.

“This entailed an initial inspection of the aircraft and a survey of the accident site. The investigation also interviewed the pilot of the aircraft.

"The aircraft wreckage has now been removed from the accident site and has been transported to the AAIU Wreckage Examination Facility in Gormanston, County Meath for further detailed examination,” added the spokesperson.

The investigation is ongoing and a final report will be published in due course, according to the Department of Transport, under whose remit the AAIU comes under.