Pilot and passenger killed in Dorset light aircraft crash

Two men aged 64 and 67 have died, police say

Compton Abbas Airfield (Google Street View)

Two men have died in a light aircraft crash in Dorset, police have said.

The Tiger Moth plane crashed shortly before 9.30am today at the Compton Abbas airfield, near Shaftesbury, the force said.

Smoke was reportedly seen rising from the site of the crash.

Chief Inspector Richard Bell, of Dorset Police, said: "Sadly, two men have died in the crash—the passenger, 67 years old and from Shaftesbury, and the pilot, 64 years old and from Blandford.

"Our thoughts are very much with their families at this very difficult time.

"For a brief period due to the smoke we had to put road closures in place and would like to thank any affected motorists for their patience."

The Air Accident Investigation Branch has been informed.

The Tiger Moth is a 1930s-designed biplane formerly used by the Royal Air Force to train new pilots.

It was pressed into service during WWII in a number of other roles.