A pilot has tragically died and another man is in critical condition following a light aircraft crash near East Fortune Airfield, as the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) launches a full inquiry.
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 4.55pm on Thursday, 8 May 2025, following reports of a light aircraft crash at East Fortune, near Edinburgh.
The 40-year-old male pilot was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
A 42-year-old male passenger was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, where he remains in critical condition.
In response to the incident, the AAIB has dispatched a team of inspectors to the site to begin gathering evidence and assess the cause of the crash. A multidisciplinary team will carry out forensic analysis and witness interviews to determine what went wrong.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said:
“Enquiries remain ongoing and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been notified.”
The aircraft type has not yet been officially confirmed, and the reason for the crash remains under investigation. East Fortune Airfield, located in East Lothian, is a known hub for recreational and light aviation activity.
The incident has prompted tributes from aviation enthusiasts and raised renewed questions about the safety protocols for small aircraft operating in rural parts of Scotland.
