Wales plane crash: One dead as aircraft 'explodes' after hitting runway without landing gear at Caernarfon Airport

The airstrip is used for training flights and by the Wales Air Ambulance along with HM Coastguard helicopters

The victim was declared dead at the scene (Google Maps)

One person has died after a light aircraft "collision" at an airport in North Wales.

Emergency services were called to the "incident" following reports of a plane crash on Wednesday evening.

Police, fire crews and the ambulance service were sent to Caernarfon Airport where the pilot was pronounced dead at the scene.

The airstrip is used for training flights and by the Wales Air Ambulance along with HM Coastguard helicopters operated by Bristow, according to its website.

In a statement, North Wales Police said: "One person has died following a light aircraft collision at Caernarfon Airport this evening.

"At 18.29 North Wales Police received a report that a light aircraft had collided on the runway and was on fire.

"The emergency services were called to the scene however sadly the pilot was pronounced dead at the scene."

Chief Inspector Sharon McCairn said: “A cordon is in place around the site and we are urging the public to remain clear of the area to allow the emergency services to deal with the incident.

“Enquiries into the full circumstances are ongoing and we are in contact with the Air Accident Investigation Branch.”

One witness told the Daily Post he had seen a plane crash on to the tarmac and explode.

He said: "The first thing I noticed was that the plane had no landing gear on.

"And then I realised it was going too fast.

"It came in and hit the tarmac and loads of debris came off it, it was a sort of belly flop and it bounced up.

"It had caught fire straight away. When it hit the ground again it exploded."

Additional reporting by PA