Pilot killed in helicopter crash

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The field where the helicopter crashed

A pilot has been killed in a helicopter crash in North Lincolnshire.

The aircraft crashed into a field next to the M180 at Sandtoft at 1244 GMT. The man was the only person in the helicopter at the time of the accident.

Officers from Humberside Police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch went to the scene of the crash, next to the M180's junction with the A18.

The helicopter, a Robinson 22, is understood to have taken off from Leeds Bradford Airport.

Another pilot is believed to have been on board originally but got off during a stop at Sandtoft Aerodrome.

'Inexperienced pilot'

Farmer and light aircraft pilot David Cundall, 59, said he was about half a mile away when he saw the aircraft crash.

"I was gardening when I heard a loud crack and saw the helicopter come down, tail first.

"I immediately drove over and on the way got passing motorists to stop and help.

"When I got there the pilot was still strapped into his seat and the canopy of the helicopter was split open.

"It was obvious he had serious injuries and there was nothing I could do for him.

"The wreckage was mainly intact, apart from the tail. There was no burning or fire.

"I would say the pilot was aged in his 40s. Police later confirmed to me he was an inexperienced pilot."

Roads surrounding the field have been cordoned off, including Idle Bank in both directions between Low Levels Bank and High Levels Bank.

Sandtoft is 16 miles (26km) from Doncaster in South Yorkshire and 12 miles (19km) from Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire.

Humberside Police said the force would carry out a joint investigation into the crash with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.