A World War II Spitfire crash-landed in a farmer’s crop field near Lower Wall Road, West Hythe, on Saturday evening — with the pilot and passenger miraculously walking away unhurt.
The emergency landing occurred at around 7pm on May 3, prompting a major response from fire crews, paramedics, and police.
Photos from the scene show the historic aircraft resting among crops, with emergency services working to secure the area.
Eyewitnesses Describe the Scene
We were on our way home from shopping and saw another Spitfire circling, which we thought was unusual — maybe practising for a VE-Day ceremony.
We continued driving and then came across the plane that had just crash-landed. The pilot and passenger were luckily out of the aircraft.”
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She added that bystanders helped raise the alarm with the local farmer to ensure the field was accessed quickly.
Firefighters confirmed they were called to assist after the Spitfire made an emergency landing.
Two fire engines attended, and crews helped make the scene safe. One person was passed into the care of SECAmb paramedics,” a fire service spokesperson said.
Crews left the scene shortly after 9pm.
A Piece of History
The Spitfire involved is understood to have been built in 1943, seeing action with the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 441 Squadron, operating under the RAF during World War II.
Its first operational sortie was flown on September 25, 1944.
The aircraft is believed to belong to a Biggin Hill-based Spitfire flight experience company, which has been contacted for comment.
Witnesses praised the pilot’s apparent skill in avoiding a more serious crash.
Thankfully, no major injuries or significant damage to property have been reported.
Emergency services have now stood down, and aviation authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the incident.
