AN AIR accident investigation has been launched after two men were seriously hurt in a plane crash near Prestwick Airport. 

The two men, aged 65 and 75, were airlifted to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow by coastguard crews.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) sent two pumps and two specialist appliances to the scene, before leaving just after 7pm on Tuesday. 

Emergency crews attended the scene at Monkton in Ayrshire after the light aircraft crashed just after 4pm.

The plane is understood to have crashed on private land less than two miles from Prestwick International Airport. 

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The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) is currently examining the incident. 

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard previously said: “The coastguard helicopter was requested to attend a site close to Prestwick Airport earlier today following an incident and airlifted two people to Queen Elizabeth Hospital.” 

An SFRS spokesperson added: “We were alerted at 4.05pm to reports of a small aircraft crash. 

“We are no longer in attendance.  

“The last appliance remained on scene until 19.08pm.” 

A Police Scotland spokesperson also previously said: “Around 4.10pm on Tuesday 23 April 2024, we received a report of a small aircraft having crashed in a field near to the A719 at Monkton. 

“Emergency services attended and two men aged 65 and 75 were taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital by helicopter for treatment to serious injuries. 

“The A719 was closed at the B739, Monkton, and reopened around 7.30pm. 

“Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”