Pilot dead after horror plane crash in field with passenger critically injured

A pilot tragically lost his life and his passenger is in a critical condition after their plane crashed in a field in Scotland. The horrifying incident occurred shortly before 5pm on Thursday, May 8.

Emergency services were alerted to a light aircraft crash in the East Fortune area at 4.55pm. Police officers, fire crews, the Scottish Ambulance Service and an air ambulance rushed to the scene at the East of Scotland Microlight Centre in North Berwick.

Two individuals were reportedly onboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue confirmed: "The call came in at 4.55pm. We deployed two appliances and a heavy rescue appliance."

They added: "We were made aware of reports of a microlight crash with two persons on board."

At around 8.30pm, Police Scotland issued a statement which read: "We received a report of a light aircraft having crashed in the East Fortune area around 4.55pm on Thursday, 8 May, 2025.

"Emergency services attended however the 40-year-old male pilot was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin is aware."

"The 42-year-old male passenger was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he is described as being in a critical condition. Enquiries remain ongoing and the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified."

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) conducts various types of investigation reports, annual safety reviews, and safety recommendation documents , reports the Mirror. The primary aim of any AAIB investigation into an accident or incident is to prevent similar occurrences in the future, not to assign blame or liability.