Drama as private jet crashes on take off at Biggin Hill airport earlier this week. Witnesses report emergency vehicles surrounding the stricken Gulfstream G1159-A on the runway as smoke poured out of it at around 8.30pm last night.
The twin engine jet careered off the run way and its nose wheel collapsed, an airport spokesman said two crew members and six passengers that were on-board were unhurt but were treated for shock at the scene and escorted from the aircraft by the airport's fire service.
Airport Managing Director Will Curtis said: "The incident was attended immediately by our airfield fire service and also by units from London Fire Brigade in accordance with our emergency incident planning procedures, but these were quickly stood down. We are very grateful to all emergency services for their on-going cooperation and support."
As a precaution and part of the normal procedure for an air crash at Biggin Hill London Fire Brigade sent a number of fire engines to the scene.
The CAA's Air Accident Investigation Branch confirmed today it has sent officers to examine the cause of the incident at the airport, which specialises in private aviation and flight instruction.
The Gulfstream jet was made in 1984 and is registered to the aviation firm World Heir Inc in Atlanta, Georgia, according to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.