Pilot dies in woodland crash

Police cordoned off the scene of the crash

The pilot of a light aircraft who disappeared after taking off on Friday died when the plane crashed in woodland near the M40, police said.

The Cessna 182 crashed in Horton Wood, between Marlow and Flackwell Heath, Buckinghamshire, said a Thames Valley Police spokeswoman.

She said it was too early to comment on the possible cause of the crash.

The aircraft had disappeared shortly after taking off from High Wycombe airpark just after 1600 BST on Friday on a trip to Rochester, Kent.

However, concerns mounted after the aircraft failed to arrive.

Land and air search

A police spokeswoman said officers were contacted by RAF Kinloss in Scotland at just after 0930 BST on Saturday and told about the missing light aircraft.

All UK airfields were also informed and a land and air search begun.

Air traffic control information suggested the aircraft's last known position was in the area of Horton Wood, Buckinghamshire.

A team of 15 police dog handlers from Thames Valley Police and an RAF rescue helicopter were then sent to the area.

The crew of the RAF helicopter spotted the wreckage just was after 1115 BST in woodland between the M40 and the A404.

It is believed that the pilot, who has not been formally identified, was the only person on the aircraft.

The incident is being jointly investigated by Thames Valley Police and the Air Accident Investigation Branch.