Staffordshire plane crash: Walsall pilot named
Pilot of 19 years Alan Matthews was killed when his light aircraft crashed into the West Coast Mainline in Staffordshire today, his family said.
The 59-year-old, from Walsall, died when his plan, a Piper Cherokee, crashed at lunchtime today.
Officers are examining the remains of a single propeller aircraft that hit power lines above the West Coast Mainline in Staffordshire.
The crash took place near at Colwich Junction between Rugeley and Stafford, British Transport Police (BTP) said.
The accident has caused disruption on the major rail route between London Euston and Manchester Piccadilly.
A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said the crash took place in a field off Meadow Lane, Little Haywood.
He said several 999 calls were received at 11.54am and crews from Stafford and Rugeley were sent.
Area commander Phil McFarlane said: “The single propeller aircraft has gone down between two rail tracks and Network Rail have been informed.
“Firefighters are currently using a dry powder extinguisher to ensure all burning is fully extinguished.”
A Staffordshire Police spokeswoman could not confirm reports that one person had died as a result of the crash.
She said debris from the aircraft had fallen on the tracks and officers were at the scene.
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