A search is under way for a light aircraft that disappeared from radar near the Channel Islands on Monday evening.

The Alderney lifeboat was launched at 8.50pm to scour an area north of Alderney for the Piper Malibu plane.

The Guernsey lifeboat and two helicopters were also helping in the search.

Air Traffic Control have confirmed the aircraft was travelling from Nantes in western France to Cardiff when it went missing.

In a statement Guernsey Police said: "A search and rescue operation is currently under way off the north of Alderney

after a light aircraft disappeared from radar several hours ago.


"Two helicopters alongside the Guernsey and Alderney lifeboats are searching for it."

HM Coastguard said the incident was not in the UK search and rescue area, although it confirmed it had sent two helicopters to help.

Image: The plane was north of Alderney when it disappeared

"HM Coastguard are currently assisting Guernsey Coastguard with a search for a light aircraft off Alderney in the Channel Islands," a spokeswoman said.

"HM Coastguard helicopters from Solent and Newquay have been helping to search overnight with nothing found."

It is not known how many people were on board the single-engine Piper Malibu, but it normally carries one pilot and up to five passengers.

The search for the aircraft is being hindered by deteriorating weather conditions.

Met Office meteorologist Mark Wilson said: "At that time there were some showers around, but nothing too intense. Wind

speeds were not too bad - average speeds were around 15 to 20mph.

"But it has got pretty wet, we've seen a band of rain push down from the northwest. That rain set in around 11.30pm to midnight and it's still raining now.

"It's also a bit windier, with gusts around 35mph."

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