Small Plane Crash in Ireland Kills Pilot Near Waterford Airport

A pilot has died after a small aeroplane crashed near Tramore in County Waterford, Ireland, on Thursday at around 12:50 local time. The pilot was flying alone when the accident occurred, authorities confirmed.

Emergency services, including Coast Guard Rescue 117, rushed to the scene as the plane came down while approaching Waterford Airport. The pilot’s body was later taken to University Hospital Waterford.

The aircraft, a privately-owned Vulcanair P68C, had been flying from Sligo to Beziers in France. Reports indicate the plane turned back off Ireland’s south coast and was heading toward Waterford when it crashed.

The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) conducted an initial examination of the crash site on Thursday. Four inspectors are expected to return to the location on Friday to continue the investigation.

Authorities are still looking into the exact cause of the crash. Officials have said no other passengers were on board, and safety procedures are being reviewed as part of the investigation.