AIR TRAGEDY Pilot dies in plane crash at Imperial War Museum airfield as dramatic photos show wreckage

A man in his 50s has died following a plane crash at Duxford Imperial War Museum airfield yesterday.

He perished at the scene after his privately-owned single-engine aircraft wrecked at around 1.40pm.

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A man in his 50s has died after his light aircraft crashed at Duxford Airfield in Cambridgeshire yesterday

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Pictures from the scene showed the Cirrus wreck being attended to by the fire brigadeCredit: SWNS

There were no other passengers in the plane.

Emergency services, including nine fire engines, raced to the crumpled aircraft following the horror in Cambridgeshire.

Pictures from the scene showed the Cirrus SR22 completely destroyed as the fire brigade douse it in water.

An air ambulance was also seen on the airfield.A party of schoolchildren on a trip to the air museum were believed to have witnessed the crash.

Kate Moore, 62, was at Duxford with her husband when she heard "a bang" and saw a plume of smoke.

She told The Mirror: "We were a long way away and many others there hadn't an idea anything had occurred.

"It's all a rather tragic end to a joyful day seeing the Hurricane and other planes flying after their winter maintenance."

The Air Accident Investigation Branch is continuing its investigation at Duxford today.

A spokesperson from the Imperial War Museum Duxford said: “We are sad to report that the pilot, a man in his 50s from the Bedfordshire area, did not survive the crash.

"Despite the best efforts of medical crews, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. Cambridgeshire Police have informed next of kin, who attended the scene of the accident yesterday."

IMW Duxford is a historic airfield located eight miles south of Cambridge.

Civilians can land planes on the runway which also hosts The American Air Museum.

The site will be closed to the public until Friday.

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The Air Accident Investigation Branch is continuing its investigation at Duxford todayCredit: Stephen Huntley/HVC

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A spokesperson from the Imperial War Museum Duxford said 'we are sad to report that the pilot, a man in his 50sCredit: SWNS

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An air ambulance and fire engines were also pictured on the airfieldCredit: Bav Media

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IWM Duxford will be closed to the public until Friday