Pilot dies and passenger fighting for his life after aircraft crashes in Scottish field

A pilot has died and his passenger has been rushed to in critical condition after a in a field in .

Tragedy sruck at around 4.55pm on Thursday, May 8 when emergency services were informed about a having crashed in the East Fortune area. Police officers, fire crews, the Scottish Ambulance Service and an air ambulance descend on the scene at the East of Microlight Centre in North Berwick.

Two people were reportedly onboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. A spokesperson for the Scottish Fire and Rescue said: "The call came in at 4.55pm. We deployed two appliances and a heavy rescue appliance." They added: "We were made aware of reports of a microlight crash with two persons on board," according to

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Just after 8.30pm Police Scotland released a statement which read: "We received a report of a light aircraft having crashed in the East Fortune area around 4.55pm on Thursday, 8 May, 2025. Emergency services attended however the 40-year-old male pilot was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin is aware.

"The 42-year-old male passenger was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he is described as being in a critical condition. Enquiries remain ongoing and the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified."

AAIB produce several types of investigation report as well as annual safety reviews and safety recommendation documents. The sole objective of the investigation of an accident or incident under AAIB is the prevention of future accidents and incidents. It is not the purpose of such an investigation to apportion blame or liability.

The has conacted the Scottish Ambulance Service for comment.

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