A pilot has died after the light aircraft he was flying crashed in a field near Headcorn Aerodrome.

Angus Buchanan was killed in the accident which happened at 4.30pm today at the site between Maidstone and Ashford. His relatives have been informed.

A witness said the aircraft was one of three bi-planes being flown. He added it appeared to 'have performed a stall turn and lost control.'

Mr Buchanan was an experienced stunt pilot and a member of the Stampe formation display team.

The team describes itself on its website as an air show act in the finest traditions of classical barnstorming aviation from the 1930s and 40s.

In his profile on the site, Mr Buchanan writes how he recalled gluing his fingers to many airfix models, before graduating to towing balsa wood aircraft behind his bike.

It adds: "Having learned to fly at Prestwick, with a long runway and "Airport Procedures", relocation to Headcorn and a chance encounter with the Tiger club was a culture shock. Something went right, leading to purchase of the fabled G-AWEF from the Tiger Club in 2004 - the log book of which is a who's who of aviation's good and great, the majority of whom cut their aerobatic teeth in this beautiful machine."

Two fire engines were sent to the incident along with police and ambulance crews. The air ambulance was also sent to the scene.

A statement from Kent Police said: "At 4.25pm, Kent Police was notified that a light aircraft had crashed in a field near Headcorn.

"Officers are currently at the scene working with partner agencies including the South East Coast Ambulance Service and Kent Fire and Rescue Service to establish the circumstances. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been informed."

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