A pilot escaped unharmed after the engine on a replica First World War fighter plane failed, forcing him to crash land in a field.

The Albatros DV single-seater was flying from France to Headcorn Aerodrome, but crash landed in fields between the villages of Pluckley and Bethersden, near Ashford at 2.20pm this afternoon.

Police, fire crews and paramedics were called to the site, but the pilot was not injured, despite his aircraft sustaining heavy damage and appearing to end up upside down.

Headcorn Aerodrome duty controller David Kember said the Air Accident Investigation Board has been informed, but said he had shaken hands with the pilot, who is safe and well.

Mr Kember said: “It is a replica First World War aircraft which was coming in to Headcorn, but landed about four miles away after engine failure.

“The plane was damaged, but it can be rebuilt and repaired, but that’s what can happen when you’re operating a vintage aircraft, there is a slight risk.

“The pilot was able to land it safely and that’s the main thing.”