In a tragic incident on September 1, 2024, a light aircraft crashed into an industrial estate in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, resulting in the death of its pilot. The accident occurred shortly after 9 am, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
The aircraft involved was a two-seat Evektor SportStar, a Czech-designed light sport aircraft built in 2022. These planes typically have a maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 lbs (600 kg). Data from Flightradar24 indicated that the orange-colored aircraft appeared to be circling Chesterfield while losing altitude before its signal was lost.
Chesterfield, a large market town in Derbyshire with a rich history dating back to the Roman era, is known for its crooked spire atop the Parish Church of St Mary and All Saints. The town, mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Cestrefeld, received its market charter in 1204 from King John and continues to host one of Britain's largest open-air markets.
Derbyshire Police issued a statement confirming the incident: "Emergency services were called to land off Sheepbridge Lane, in Sheepbridge, Chesterfield, earlier today. An investigation into the circumstances is ongoing. The pilot was the only person on board and died in the collision. His family has been informed."
The authorities have closed roads in the immediate vicinity of the crash site, and these closures are expected to remain in place while the investigation continues. This incident has shocked the local community, which has seen significant changes since its days as a center of coal mining until the industry's decline in the 1980s.
Chesterfield's industrial heritage, shaped by the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, includes landmarks such as the Chesterfield Canal, which opened in 1777. The town is also notable as the final resting place of George Stephenson, known as the "Father of Railways," who is buried in Trinity Church.
As the investigation unfolds, the community of Chesterfield, which is twinned with Darmstadt in Germany and Troyes in France, will undoubtedly come together to support those affected by this tragic event. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with aviation, even as the town continues to honor its rich history and look towards the future.