Isle of Man plane crash horror as aircraft smashes into cliff face sparking frantic rescue
The state of the pilot is not yet known after the horror smash as the area is cordoned off.
A plane has smashed into the side of a cliff in the Isle of Man, emergency services have confirmed.
One person was believed to be aboard the aircraft when it hit the cliff face near Port Erin on the island earlier on Monday. Their condition is not yet known.
Plumes of smoke were seen rising from the rock face shortly after the crash at around midday, with first responders racing to the scene, including from Belfast Coastguard.
A spokesperson for the Isle of Man police said a major operation was underway after the incident near Milner's Tower at Bradda Head.
A Cessna 210 has crashed on the coast of Isle of Man this afternoon. Local media report a large emergency services presence in the area. No word yet on injuries. https://t.co/JZndGusfdO pic.twitter.com/nQTbX5KVFo
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) July 17, 2023
As of yesterday evening, the area remained cordoned off, with teams "working with aviation crash investigators through the evening".
A spokesperson for Isle of Man Constabulary said: "The water and air space around the site is also closed to the public.
"Additionally, there is a temporary restricted airspace for drones and other light aircraft."
A ban on flying drones within two nautical miles (3.7km) off Bradda Head at any level has been put in place until at least 11:59pm on Tuesday.
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The incident appeared to have happened just beyond the southern side of the bay on Bradda Head, meaning many on the island will not have seen it.
But one witness wrote on Twitter: "I phoned 999 straight away, witnessed the flames go up after hearing a low aircraft engine noise but wasn’t sure where it was.
"The engine noise I heard was normal however I can’t be 100 percent certain it was that aircraft as it’s near the airport."
Another added: "This is literally where I go hiking everyday.
"My mum and I were up there today 30 minutes before it happened."
Members of the public are being urged to avoid the area.
Manx travellers have been assured the incident would not affect flights in and out of Ronladsway Airport.