A light aircraft has crashed at Barton Aerodrome, seriously injuring two people.

On April 29, 2023, at approximately 5:30 PM, emergency services, including firefighters, police, and paramedics, were dispatched to Barton Aerodrome in Eccles, Salford, following reports of a plane crash. The incident, which left two individuals seriously injured, prompted a rapid response from multiple emergency units. Firefighter Lee Parry from Leigh Fire Station provided critical information, stating that the aircraft was found upside down, leaking fuel with debris scattered around the site. The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that three fire engines, along with a technical response unit, arrived on the scene promptly. Their main tasks involved making the area secure and efficiently rescuing the two casualties from the aircraft. It was reported that one of the injured individuals is in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while the other has sustained injuries that may lead to long-term repercussions. Both victims were transferred to Salford Royal Hospital via ground ambulance shortly after the emergency response commenced, and the situation is still considered active. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) established a scene control zone to facilitate investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash, urging local residents to avoid the area until further notice. A spokesperson for Barton Aerodrome indicated that an investigation by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been initiated to determine the cause of the accident. Initial reports suggest the aircraft may have stalled after failing to gain height during takeoff, which would explain the subsequent crash. The local community remains on alert as the aviation authorities and emergency services work to piece together the details surrounding this serious incident. The occurrence of injuries sustained in light aircraft crashes raises discussions about aviation safety standards and the necessary precautions that must be taken when operating such flights.