Light aircraft lost power before crashing in an Essex country park
It happened in South Ockenden last year
Last updated 10th Sep 2025
A light aircraft crashed in an Essex country park, leaving the pilot with potentially life-changing injuries, an investigation report has said.
The plane crashed after it lost power, shortly after taking off from Damyns hall Airfield.
The preliminary report from the Air Accident Investigation Branch has said that after takeoff from Damyns Hall Airfield in Upminster. the aircraft – a Jodel D120 – lost power. It subsequently declared a “departed controlled flight” and struck the ground in Belhus Woods Country Park.
One male passenger was taken to hospital. His condition was assessed as not life- threatening but potentially life-changing. The report adds that the investigation into the crash on September 7, 2024 is now complete and the final report is being prepared for publication.
Metropolitan Police attended Aveley Road, located directly next to Damyns Hall Aerodrome, in Upminster at about 1pm after reports that a “light” aircraft had crashed in a nearby field. Police officers were joined at the scene by London Ambulance Service and Essex Fire and Rescue Service.
The crash in South Ockendon led to the entrance to the park being closed off. A spokesperson from Metropolitan Police said: “Officers were called to an area on Aveley Road, Upminster, at 1.08pm on September 7 to reports that a light aircraft had crashed.
“One male passenger was taken to hospital for treatment. His condition has been assessed as not life-threatening but potentially life-changing.”
A statement from the AIIB said: “After takeoff from Damyns Hall Airfield the aircraft lost power. It subsequently departed controlled flight and struck the ground in Belhus Woods Country Park. The pilot was seriously injured.
The investigation is now complete and the final report is being prepared for publication.”