AN INVESTIGATION was under way today into why a light aircraft crashed and exploded into flames in a North Yorkshire airfield, killing its pilot.

The pilot, who has not yet been named, died only moments after take-off from Sherburn Aero Club in Sherburn-in-Elmet just before 3.30pm yesterday.

The man, travelling alone in a single-engine Tobego T10 plane, crash-landed into a field next to the runway after getting into difficulties shortly after take-off.

Air Accident investigators returned to the scene today to search through the burnt-out wreckage.

Castle Smith, chief flying officer at the club, said the dead man was not a member of Sherburn Aero Club, but was taking off for another, as yet unknown airfield, when the accident happened.

He said he watched the plane take off and it was in an "irrecoverable attitude".

He saw it turning back to the runway when it crashed into a neighbouring field and exploded into flames.

Mr Smith added: "We extend our condolences to his wife and family.

"We don't like to see any casualties, least of all fatalities. Flying is a very safe pastime, but nevertheless accidents do happen."

The club's own firefighters went to the plane with two pumps and put the fire out.

Four fire appliances and more than 20 firefighters from Tadcaster and Selby also attended. They secured the scene in preparation for the investigation.

The crash comes just four months after a helicopter crashed near Sherburn-in-Elmet, killing two men.

The helicopter had been on its way back to Sherburn Aero Club.

Updated: 09:24 Saturday, April 28, 2001