BREAKING: Pilot 'seriously injured' in Stow Maries Air Show 'incident'

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome have confirmed a pilot has been taken to hospital and an aircraft is 'damaged' after an incident at the Stow Maries Air Show 2026. (Credit: Caroline Coastal FM, 2025.)

A pilot has sustained 'serious injuries' and an aircraft has been damaged following an 'incident' at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome today (Sunday 16 June).

In a statement to Caroline Coastal FM, a spokesperson for the Aerodrome said: "During a low-level display by The Turbulent Team, one of the aircraft became damaged.

"The pilot sustained injuries requiring transportation to hospital and the Air Show was halted.

"We are co-operating with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch and emergency services, and the site is currently closed to the public."

An update from Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome confirms that the pilot has been 'taken to a London hospital and is receiving treatment for his injuries.'

Essex Police have confirmed that the pilot has been 'seriously injured' in the incident and an update from the Aerodrome confirms the pilot has been taken to a London hospital. (Credit: Caroline Coastal FM, 2025.)

A statement from Essex Police says: "Essex Police were first called shortly before 2.25pm.

"The sole occupant of the aircraft has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

"No other injuries have been reported.

"Those attending the event are urged to follow the instructions of [the event] organisers and emergency service personnel.

"The public are asked to please avoid the area to allow responders the space to work at the scene."

An unmarked police car has been seen blocking the main entrance to the Aerodrome on Hackmans Lane, and an emergency services vehicle has also been spotted near the exit.

Essex Police were called to the incident at around 2:25pm and have asked the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services 'the space to work at the scene.' (Credit: Essex Police - Maldon District.)

A local resident attending the event told Caroline Coastal FM they were 'shook up' by the incident and that they had 'been told not to leave yet as they need the road clear for the emergency services.'

A Spitfire, a WW1 Fokker and a team of nine Tiger Moths were all due to take to the sky at the largest surviving Great War aerodrome in Europe.

This is an ongoing incident. We'll bring you the latest as we have it.