IOM-REGISTERED LIGHT AIRCRAFT CRASHES INTO SEA OFF BLACKPOOL - Airport Press Release

The pilot of an Isle of Man registered light aircraft has been taken to hospital in the UK after her plane ditched into the sea 22 miles off the coast of Blackpool around noon today.

The Piper PA30 (twin Comanche) aircraft was inbound to the Isle of Man from Guernsey when it developed technical problems. The pilot decided to divert to Blackpool, however, the plane ditched into the sea near a gas rig off the coast of Blackpool.

Isle of Man Airport Director Ann Reynolds said: ‘There was one person on board the Comanche. As far as we are aware, the pilot was uninjured but was taken by helicopter to a UK hospital for a check-up.’

For further information: Brian Johnson, Director of Civil Aviation Tel: 463595