Crash report sparks emergency response at Lands End Airport

Emergency crews from across west Cornwall were sent to Lands End Airport this morning after a report of a possible air crash. Two people were on board the aircraft at the centre of the alert.

Police were called at 11:45 today. A multi-agency operation launched straight away, with fire, ambulance and police from the Penzance and Hayle Neighbourhood teams heading to the scene.

What crews found

When they arrived, it became clear the situation was far less serious than the first report suggested. A privately owned light aircraft carrying two people had suffered a hard landing on the runway. No casualties were reported.

Fire crews and airport staff dealt with the initial response, and no further help was needed from the emergency services. Police officers took details and photos to pass to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, which will lead any investigation into what happened.

Flights delayed

Flights to and from Lands End Airport have been delayed as a result. Passengers are being asked to contact their airline before setting off for the airport.

Why the services train for this

The local neighbourhood team regularly runs multi-agency exercises with both Lands End Airport and Penzance Heliport, so a proper response is ready if it is ever needed.

All the emergency services train together using JESIP principles, which cover joint working in the early stages of an incident, when clear decisions and actions need to be made with as little delay as possible in a fast-moving situation. You can learn more about JESIP on the official website.