Pilot dies as plane crashes at Chris Evans car show

Picture: Twitter/Lauren Murphy (@LaurenMurphs23)

Event founder and BBC presenter Chris Evans confirmed the death, saying: “Just after 2pm, there was a tragic accident – the result of which was one of the pilots involved in a synchro display lost his life.

“Our condolences go out to his family who have been informed. The event will continue on the advice of the three aviation authorities we are currently involved with as part of the ongoing investigation into what happened.

“The police have also advised us that the best thing, and the safest thing to do, is to carry on with the event – bearing in mind there are 10,000 children here. That’s what we’re going to do.”

The dead man was later named as 35-year-old Kevin Whyman by the Heritage Aircraft Trust, operator of the Gnat Display Team.

A statement from the trust said: “Kevin was a Royal Air Force trained fast jet pilot whose enthusiasm for flying the Folland Gnat was infectious. He will be greatly missed by his family, the team and many friends.

“Kevin leaves a wife and young daughter. Please respect the privacy of family members and of the team at this most difficult time.”

Mr Whyman’s plane, a small Folland Gnat jet fighter, suddenly went into a dive during a display routine, leaving spectators screaming in distress.

The crash took place at the CarFest North event, created by the motoring enthusiast and new Top Gear presenter.

Mr Evans tweeted: “I am very sad to announce there has been a serious air incident at CarFest North off site. The emergency services are in attendance.”

Thoughts go out to the pilot! Praying he’s ok! #CarFestNorth pic.twitter.com/CMb8eiBwsW

— jack craven (@jackcraven1406) August 1, 2015

CarFest is described as Evans’s “dream of the perfect family festival”, featuring cars, planes and music. The event raises money for BBC Children In Need.

The organisers said in a statement: “There has been a serious air incident outside the site of CarFest North, Oulton Park, Cheshire, during an air display at around 1400 today.

“The emergency services are in attendance and the air accident services have been notified. The event is continuing and more information will be released when it becomes available. No further comment will be made at this time.”

Onlooker Johnathan Randall tweeted: “Think I’ve just witnessed a plane crash? Crowd looks glum, confused, concerned. Everyone on their phones.”

Emma McEvoy added on Twitter: “OMG plane crashed right in front of our eyes at Carfest hope the pilot ejected!! Whole crowd went silent!”

Cheshire Police said officers are at the scene and trying to work out what happenend.

A spokesman said: “Shortly after 2pm, Cheshire Police received a call concerning a plane that had crashed in the woodland area near the CarFest site at Oulton park near Little Budworth.

“Officers are currently at the scene trying to establish what has happened. Incident is at very early stages and further details will be released when they are known.”

Picture: Twitter/Tony Johnston (@tonyjohnston01)

Onlooker Johnathan Randall tweeted: “Think I’ve just witnessed a plane crash? Crowd looks glum, confused, concerned. Everyone on their phones.”

Emma McEvoy added on Twitter: “OMG plane crashed right in front of our eyes at Carfest hope the pilot ejected!! Whole crowd went silent!”

Cheshire Police said officers are at the scene and trying to work out what happened.

A spokesman said: “Shortly after 2pm, Cheshire Police received a call concerning a plane that had crashed in the woodland area near the CarFest site at Oulton park near Little Budworth.

“Officers are currently at the scene trying to establish what has happened. Incident is at very early stages and further details will be released when they are known.”