A man in his 60s has died after a microlight aircraft crashed in Co Down.
The incident happened shortly after takeoff at Newtownards airfield at 11.25am, according to a Northern Ireland Ambulance Service spokesman.
The man was a highly experienced pilot, according to a former MP for the area.
Jim Shannon said: "It seems that the aircraft very shortly after take-off, almost immediately, lost control whatever the reasons for that would be.
"He was catching up on his flying hours and he was a pilot with some significant flying experience and that would be reflected in his years of age."
PSNI Inspector Glenn Campbell said the Air Accident Investigation Branch has been notified and would be the lead agency in the investigation.
