FOUR people have been confirmed dead after a plane and helicopter collided in mid-air near a Buckinghamshire manor house this afternoon.

A pilot and passenger in each aircraft were killed when the Cessna 152 light aircraft and Guimbal Cabri chopper crashed and came down in woodland close to the historic Waddesdon Manor.

9 An aerial image of the scene of the crash Credit: Universal News (Europe)

Thames Valley Police Superintendent Rebecca Mears confirmed this evening that four people died in the horror crash, which took place near Winchendon.

It is believed that one of the aircraft had been flying for about 15 minutes after taking off at Wycombe Air Park - 20 miles from the crash.

Firefighters launched a drone over the fallen wreckage in a desperate search for survivors, helping to direct paramedics to the site as soon as possible, as locals spotted a plume of smoke billowing over the sky.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were at the scene where the two aircraft crashed.

The plane is a Cessna 152, which was built in 1982 and sustained substantial damage during a previous crash in 1993 in a Cornish airfield.

9 Emergency services are at the scene after the crash about midday on Friday Credit: Sky News

9 A plume of smoke could be seen billowing from the crash site Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

While the identities of those who have died are not known, it is believed that the helicopter pilot is one of the country's most experienced flight instructors and has military experience.

A former colleague told The Mirror: "I shared a cup of tea with him yesterday morning. He was a true gentleman. He was probably the most well-respected instructor in the country.

"He achieved a very high position within the Army as an instructor.

"He's an absolutely dedicated instructor. If you wanted a training instructor there's no one more highly qualified.

"Almost everybody in the country has been instructed by him. Most instructors have been trained by him."

9 There are several people feared dead after the crash Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

9 The incident happened near Waddesdon Manor near Aylesbury Credit: alamy

9 The area surrounding where the two aircraft collided Credit: Google Maps

Witnesses told the Mail Online they heard a big bang, adding: "My mother said a man, who I think was someone who had been out walking nearby, then went running up to the manor to say there had been a crash."

Thames Valley Police confirmed: "We are currently at the scene of an air accident near the village of Waddesdon near Aylesbury.

"The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been informed and staff are en route to the scene. Fire and ambulance services are also in attendance and preservation of life is first priority."

Fire services also on social media: "Firefighters are currently assisting other emergency services at scene of air accident near Waddesdon.

Firefighters currently assisting other emergency services at scene of air accident near Waddesdon. Air Accidents Investigation Branch informed. Disruption to road network around Waddesdon likely for the rest of the day — Bucks and MK Fire (@Bucksfire) November 17, 2017

"Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) informed. Disruption to road network around Waddesdon likely for the rest of the day."

AAIB said they were sending a team to investigate reports that a mid-air collision had occurred.

Thames Valley Air Ambulance were also scrambled.

RAF Halton, close by, says "We can confirm neither of the aircraft concerned has a connection with either our air force nor the military."

Road disruptions around Waddeson are expected for the rest of the day.

A spokeswoman for Waddesdon Manor, a large estate near Aylesbury, said the crash had not happened on its grounds.

Waddesdon Manor is a popular wedding venue in Buckinghamshire and was purchased in 1874 by the famous banking family the Rothschilds.

9

The manor is owned by the National Trust and managed by the Rothschild Foundation chaired by Jacob Rothschild, 4th Baron Rothschild.

A member of the Rothschild family who did not wish to be named said: "I'm totally shocked. I heard a loud bang, which I thought was a car crash."

Waddesdon Estate Gardener, Len Bellis, described how he found the "burning wreckage" minutes later.

He had been working nearby when he heard a "horrendous noise" like a tin hangar collapsing.

9 A helicopter disappeared off a flight radar just after midday today

He said two men came running towards him from the woods shouting, "did you see it, did you see it?"

Mr Bellis said one of them told him he heard a plane "stuttering" just before the crash.

"I just came across the wreckage," said Mr Bellis, who described the light aircraft as a "wreck" and "non-existent", apart from the 5ft burning fuselage.

He said he later found out he was just 10 yards from a body in the undergrowth.

9 The plane is believed to have been a Cessna 152 Credit: PA:Press Association

Dog walker Daniel Bennett, 39, saw the Guimbal Cabri G2 helicopter climbing as the Cessna 152 was descending.

The first officer for Emirates airlines said: “All of a sudden, I lost sight of both of them.

“Then there was an almighty bang and a puff of fire. The sky was full of fire. Large chunks of metal were on fire. It was a scary, scary, scary thing. There’s no one who could survive that.

“I think the total impact collision speed could be at 150mph.”

The private grounds boast 6,000 acres of farm and woodland and is one of the National Trust's most visited properties, with over 390,000 visitors every year.

Waddesdon this year won Visit England's Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category in 2017.

A number of films have been shot at the estate including Carry On movie Don't Lose Your Head and The Queen starring Helen Mirren.

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