A PLANE performing as part of display team at Carfest show in Cheshire has crashed killing its pilot.

Telegraph & Argus assistant news editor Will Kilner - who was at the event to review the new Ford MAX range - was a witness to the accident in which the plane appeared to lose control and crash into a field at about 2pm today.

"We were all watching two planes in the sky and then it suddenly became apparent there was only one," said Mr Kilner.

"It appeared to go down in a bunch of trees, and there was a huge plume of black smoke.

"It was quite clear that it was a serious incident.

"All the announcements and music stopped immediately, people didn't really know what to do.

"Ambulance crews were rushing to the scene, and there were helicopters too.

"It was a devastating thing to have seen."

Other witnesses described horrified spectators screaming as the plane - thought to be part of the Gnat Display Team - nose-dived suddenly prior to the crash.

The event, being held at Oulton Park, was created by TV and radio presenter Chris Evans, with profits donated to BBC Children in Need.

Mr Evans told reporters: "There was a tragic accident, the result of which was that one of the pilots involved in a synchro display lost his life."

The visibly-upset presenter added: "Our condolences go out to his family who have been informed.

"The police have also advised us that the best thing and the safest thing to do is to carry on with the event bearing in mind that there are 10,000 children here - and that is what we are going to do."

An Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) spokesman said: "AAIB will be investigating and is sending a team to the site."

CarFest said in a statement: "An aircraft flying with the Gnat Display Team came down approximately one mile north of the site. The pilot has been confirmed as a fatality. We do not believe that any other person has been harmed in the incident.

"We are working very closely with the police, emergency services and all relevant authorities. We have helpfully received images and footage captured by those close to the site, which will aid with the police investigation.

"Should anyone else have similar photo or video footage, they are asked to keep hold of it in case the authorities request further information.

"Our thoughts are with the family of the pilot and all those affected at this time."