FRAMPTON MANSELL, Gloucestershire – A light aircraft crash on the A419 Stroud Road near Aston Down airfield caused significant disruption on Tuesday afternoon, with authorities closing the busy route in both directions as emergency crews responded to the incident.
At approximately 16:45 BST, a glider was forced to make an emergency landing on the A419, just outside the Cotswold village of Frampton Mansell.
Gloucestershire Police confirmed that two individuals were aboard the glider at the time of the crash. Both were transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation. The extent of their injuries has not yet been made public.
“It is understood that no other vehicles were involved,” a Gloucestershire Police spokesperson stated, reassuring motorists that the crash had not caused additional accidents.
However, the impact of the crash on the busy route was substantial, with road closures implemented between Cowcombe Hill and Emmerson Lane. Recovery operations were ongoing late into the evening.
The Cotswold Gliding Club, a well-known local club that operates near Aston Down airfield, acknowledged the incident and expressed concern for those involved. The club also confirmed that the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) had been notified and would be leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.
“We are aware of the incident and are fully cooperating with the authorities,” a spokesperson for the Cotswold Gliding Club said. “The safety of all involved is our primary concern, and we will support the investigation in any way necessary.”
Motorists faced considerable delays as traffic built up around the area, with the road closures causing widespread disruption. Local resident Tony Breakspear-Jones, who was caught in the traffic, described the scene to BBC Radio Gloucestershire.
“We could see what looked like a glider in the road,” Breakspear-Jones recounted. “My stepdaughter, who’s a nurse, stayed at the scene to help out. The traffic is chaos up there, with long queues building up quickly.”
Emergency services worked to clear the road, but it remained unclear when the A419 would reopen. Police advised motorists to avoid the area and seek alternative routes while recovery operations continued. A traffic management team was deployed to assist with diversions.
The AAIB confirmed that it had been informed of the crash and would be conducting an investigation. “We have been notified of the light aircraft accident on the A419 and will commence an investigation into the incident,” an AAIB spokesperson said in a brief statement.
The incident highlights the potential risks involved in flying gliders in close proximity to busy roadways.
The Cotswold Gliding Club has been operating in the area for many years and is a popular spot for both recreational and competitive gliding. While accidents are rare, the club is no stranger to dealing with the inherent risks associated with the sport.
As recovery operations continue and the AAIB investigation gets underway, residents and motorists in Gloucestershire are advised to stay informed about road conditions and any further updates from local authorities.
