INVESTIGATIONS have now been completed into a light aircraft crash in a Thurrock country park that left the pilot with potentially life-changing injuries.

The plane crashed after it lost power shortly after taking off from Damyns Hall Airfield, between Aveley and Upmister, last September.

The preliminary report from the Air Accident Investigation Branch has said: "After takeoff from Damyns Hall Airfield the aircraft – a Jodel D120 – lost power. It subsequently departed controlled flight and struck the ground in Belhus Woods Country Park. The pilot was seriously injured.

"The investigation is now complete and the final report is being prepared for publication."