A PILOT who crashed his plane into a park on Wednesday has died.
The 22-year-old man passed away in hospital after his light aircraft crashed into a sculpture park in North Yorkshire.
Emergency services rushed to the scene on Wednesday and found one man injured at the crash site at the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park.
It is understood that he was the only person on board the plane.
His family are being supported by specialist officers at North Yorkshire Police.
Detective Chief Inspector Matt Wilkinson said: “Despite the best efforts of emergency service responders at the scene, and hospital staff, the pilot has tragically passed away.
“We are now conducting a joint investigation with the Air Accident Investigation Branch, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
“I continue to appeal to anyone who may have information or footage of the aircraft, which departed from Sherburn in Elmet near Selby, to come forward.”
North Yorkshire Police said in a previous statement: “At 12.21pm today (18 February) we received a report of a light aircraft crash in the Masham area.
“The Air Accident and Investigation Branch has been informed.
“A man, believed to be the sole occupant of the aircraft, has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.”
A North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said at the time: “At 12.28pm crews from Leyburn, Thirsk and Ripon were called to an incident involving a light aircraft which had crashed at a location in the Masham area.
“The pilot was released from the aircraft by emergency services and taken by air ambulance to hospital.
“Fire crews then checked for hazards and made the scene safe.”
