Pilot dies in gyrocopter crash in northern Scotland

Police are appealing for any witnesses to get in touch

Emergency services were called to the scene (Getty Images)

The pilot of a gyrocopter has died after a crash on the Black Isle in the Scottish Highlands.

Emergency services were called after reports that an aircraft had "come down in a field" near Avoch on the Black Isle on Thursday afternoon. 

The 67-year-old man could not be saved and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Scotland said the pilot was the only person onboard the light aircraft, which has a rotor like a helicopter. His family have been informed of his death.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) sent four fire engines to the scene of the incident which took place at 12.55pm.

Witnesses described seeing the gyrocopter just before it crashed, with one person saying they saw it “struggling a bit”, according to a report in the Daily Record.

Inspectors from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch are investigating the crash.

A spokesperson said on Thursday: "We have been notified of an accident involving a gyrocopter near Avoch. A team of inspectors are on their way to commence an investigation."

Police are urging any witnesses to get in touch, and have set up an online portal for people to submit any information.

Det Insp Brian Geddes aid: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the man who sadly lost his life, and we will have officers providing support at this difficult time.

"Inquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing. We have already spoken to a number of people who witnessed the crash, however, we are appealing to anyone we haven't spoken to, to get in touch."

Police ask anyone who has images or video footage of the gyrocopter in the air or during the incident to please contact them either via 101, quoting incident number 1385 of 12 November, or via the online portal set up for this incident.