THE pilot of a biplane which flipped upside down on landing at Dunkeswell Airfield has issued a public apology for any distress caused to anybody,.

Rob Doughton, of RD Tiger Moth Flights, and his passenger escaped any serious injury in the incident, which happened on May 28.

The circumstances are being investigated by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and Mr Doughton said he would ‘fully co-operate’ with the inquiry.

Mr Doughton, aged 73, who lives near Wellington, said he was returning to Dunkeswell in his Tiger Moth biplane following ‘an introductory flight’ for his passenger when the incident happened.

He said: “This was an isolated incident, with no other aircraft involved.

“We have taken the past few days to work with the relevant authorities to assist them in their investigation.

“Thankfully, both the pilot, myself, and passenger managed to evacuate the aircraft without serious injury.

“We are extremely grateful to the emergency services, and the airfield operations team, for their swift response.

“I have offered my passenger our deepest apologies for any distress this incident has caused, and I have issued them with a full refund.”

Mr Doughton said there was now an AAIB investigation ongoing with which he was co-operating, and he understood the ‘unsettling’ effect of images and news reports relating to the crash.

But, he said: “I urge people not to speculate on the cause of the incident.

“There have already been a number of hurtful and misinformed comments on social media, along with speculation and inaccuracies published in online articles.

“On a personal note, please be kind.

“At the heart of this organisation is a small team of dedicated and passionate people, myself included, who are devastated by what has happened.

“I am truly sorry for any distress caused, and for the delay in issuing this statement.

“Thank you for your understanding.”