A MAN in his 40's was killed this evening when his light aircraft crashed in Co. Mayo.
It’s understood that the single-seater plane came down in a field about three miles from the town of Ballina at around 6.30pm.
The deceased pilot was the only person in the aircraft.
Emergency services rushed to the scene but were unable to save the pilot who was trapped in the cockpit of the aircraft.
Locals reported hearing sounds which indicated the aircraft was in distress before it hit ground some time after 6pm.
Units of Mayo Fire Service were amongst the rescue service teams which responded to the emergency.
It is understood the man who died is a native of the north Mayo area and is a regular flier.
Gardaí are at the scene and the air navigation investigators are en route.
The body remains at scene and will be removed to Mayo General Hopsital where a post mortem will take place in due course.
