A man was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after a light aircraft crashed into a field, police said. The incident happened at around 12.20pm today (February 18). Emergency services rushed to a field near the town of Masham in North Yorkshire after receiving reports of the crash. 

The man, who is believed to be the only person on the plane, was airlifted to the hospital. An investigation has been launched to identify the cause behind the incident. A spokesperson from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said:”The AAIB has started an investigation into an accident involving a light aircraft which occurred today (February 18). 

“A multi-disciplinary team including inspectors with expertise in aircraft operations, engineering and recorded data have been deployed to gather evidence and make enquiries.”

North Yorkshire Police confirmed the incident in a statement and said: “At 12.21pm today (18 February) we received a report of a light aircraft crash in the Masham area.

“The Air Accident and Investigation Branch has been informed. A man, believed to be the sole occupant of the aircraft, has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.”

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Fire officials were called to the incident to check for hazards and make sure the scene was safe after the crash.

A North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “At 12.28pm crews from Leyburn, Thirsk and Ripon were called to an incident involving a light aircraft which had crashed at a location in the Masham area.

“The pilot was released from the aircraft by emergency services and taken by air ambulance to hospital. Fire crews then checked for hazards and made the scene safe.”Â