One Dead, Two Injured in Waterford Aircraft Emergency Landing

A light aircraft crashed in Waterford on November 20, 2025, resulting in one fatality and injuries to at least two other individuals. The twin-engine plane attempted an emergency landing in a field located south-west of Waterford Airport shortly after 12:50 PM.

The aircraft went down in a field at a farm in the townland of Lisselan. Reports indicate that the plane had declared an emergency shortly before the incident occurred. Eyewitnesses described the aircraft making a U-turn over the sea before returning to the coast, suggesting it was attempting to reach the airport when the crash happened.

Emergency Response and Investigation

In response to the crash, a significant emergency operation was initiated. Personnel from Gardaí, paramedics, the Coast Guard, and the Waterford Fire Brigade were swiftly deployed to the site. By around 2 PM, approximately 20 to 30 emergency service members were on the scene. Weather conditions were reported to be favorable at the time of the incident.

The area surrounding the crash site, near the R685 road, was promptly closed off by Gardaí to allow for the emergency response. The Waterford-based Rescue 117 Sikorsky helicopter also provided support during the operation. Multiple units were tasked with securing the site, where significant damage was observed to the front section of the aircraft. Preliminary indications suggest the plane may have nosedived into the ground as it attempted to land.

One theory posits that the aircraft’s nose gear became stuck in the sod, causing the plane to tilt forward. The tail section remained upright after the crash, just shy of a roadside ditch.

Ongoing Investigations and Safety Measures

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) at the Department of Transport has been informed of the crash and is expected to launch a formal investigation. The AAIB stated that a team of four inspectors will be dispatched to the site to begin their inquiry into the accident.

Gardaí confirmed they are conducting a live and ongoing operation regarding the incident. “Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of a collision involving a light aircraft at a location near Tramore, Co Waterford,” a spokesperson noted.

As of 3 PM, the area remains cordoned off, with ongoing assessments being carried out. The investigation aims to determine the exact circumstances leading to the crash, ensuring that necessary safety measures are implemented to prevent future occurrences.