A PILOT has died after difficulties during take-off caused their plane to crash.

The small plane crashed at Woodmancote, near Defford, on Tuesday morning (August 27).

The pilot, a 69 year old man, was confirmed dead at the scene by ambulance staff.

West Mercia Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service were called following reports that a small plane had crashed.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Air Ambulance said: "West Midlands Ambulance Service was called by the fire service to reports of a light aircraft crash landing in an airfield in Defford near Worcester at 10.38am today.

"A paramedic officer, an ambulance and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford responded to the scene.

"It quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save the single occupant of the aircraft and they were sadly confirmed deceased on scene by ambulance staff."

West Mercia Police said it had received reports a "small plane had experienced difficulties during take-off, causing it to descend rapidly to the ground".

The force confirmed that nobody else was injured during the incident.

The UK government has since confirmed the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) was now investigating the incident.

Inspectors have been sent to the site to gather evidence.

It said: "The AAIB has started an investigation into an accident involving a light aircraft which occurred near Defford, Worcestershire, on 27 August.

"A team of inspectors has been sent to the accident site to gather evidence."