CARFEST at Oulton Park  is set to go ahead today despite the death of a pilot yesterday.

Kevin Whyman, 39, who was part of the Gnat Display Team, was killed when his plane crashed in a wooded area next to the site during an aerial display at the event.

Kevin had a wife and young daughter and lived in Westminster, London.

Heritage Aircraft Trust which runs the team 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.”

Cheshire Police remain at the scene and are assisting the Air Accident Investigation Branch as they carry out an assessment of the site.

Coach Road which was closed to allow the emergency services to work at the scene remains closed until further notice to both vehicles and pedestrians and local diversions are in place.

 Those leaving the event later today are advised to follow the directions from the stewards on the site.

Superintendent Bev Raistrick said: “We are continuing to work alongside the other agencies involved - including the Air Accident Investigation Branch. Enquiries are ongoing in a bid to establish the full circumstances of what has happened.

"Our thoughts remain with all those who have been affected by the incident.

“We have had a lot of calls from members of the public who have contacted us with information following the incident - this includes video footage and photographs - which may assist with the investigation. I would like to thank them for their assistance.

“Anyone who has not yet been in touch and has any further information, which could assist with our enquiries, is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 539 of 1 August.”

In a press conference yesterday, an emotional Chris Evans, who was hosting the event, broke the news about what happened.

He said:  "Part of what we do here are air displays and today, just after 2pm there was a tragic accident, the result of which is that a pilot has lost his life.

"Our condolences go out to his family who have been informed."

The TV personality said the event is held every year to raise money for BBC's Children In Need.

"The event will continue on the advice of the three aviation authorities we are currently involved with," he said.

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

At least five separate air display teams were due to perform over the three-day event, which started yesterday.

A statement from CarFest said: "We can confirm that sadly there has been a serious air incident outside the site of CarFest North, Oulton Park, Cheshire during an air display shortly before 2pm today.

"An aircraft flying with the Gnat Display Team came down approximately one mile north of the site. The pilot has been confirmed as a fatality. We do not believe that any other person has been harmed in the incident.

"We are working very closely with the police, emergency services and all relevant authorities. We have helpfully received images and footage captured by those close to the site, which will aid with the police investigation. Should anyone else have similar photo of video footage, they are asked to keep hold of it in case the authorities request further information.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the pilot and all those affected at this time. 

"Following discussions with the police and other relevant local authorities, the event will continue."

Earlier, eye-witnesses spoke of their horror at seeing a plane crash.

Professional Racing Driver Oliver James Webb said: "I was just getting a couple of the cars ready for our next run when I saw the display planes drift over, unusually low and then disappear behind he trees.

"I then saw the smoke and then noticed the silence of the crowds, all of a sudden the radio channels of the marshals got very loud and then the safety crews where running past us in the drivers section. 

"Our run was put on hold as we waited watching the smoke ploom just hoping everyone was ok. It's so very sad to hear the news of the pilot passing away only hundreds meters away from the entrance to the festival on the coach road of Oulton Park"

Another witness said: "There was a big boom. We thought they had gone past the sound barrier. We were camping nearby.

"It went over the top of the trees and within seconds we heard the boom and saw the smoke.

"It could have been a lot different. It's not nice."

CarFest enthusiast Craig Manning said: "One minute the sky was clear, then I looked round and saw a big plume of smoke and all of a sudden and it went very quiet.

"The police helicopter is here and so is the air ambulance." 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 



 

Are you at Oulton Park today? Did you witness the crash? Email your pictures to webeditor@guardiangrp.co.uk