An 81-year-old pilot has died after his light aircraft crashed just seconds after take-off, with investigators suggesting he may have suffered a medical incapacitation while at the controls. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns around ageing private pilots continuing to fly small aircraft, and will likely prompt scrutiny of medical fitness checks for older aviators.

The pilot lost control of the plane shortly after becoming airborne, with the aircraft coming down moments into the flight. Early findings point towards the possibility that he became suddenly unwell or lost consciousness during take-off, though a full investigation into the cause of the crash is expected to follow.