A pilot who died when his light aircraft crashed into a field just days before Christmas has been named and pictured for the first time.
Nicholas Denison-Pender, 50, from Perthshire, was pronounced dead at the scene after the aircraft crashed near Fife Airport, Kinglassie on Monday.
His plane plummeted from the sky just moments after take-off, slamming into the ground at about 11.40am.
No one else was injured in the tragedy, officials have confirmed.
It’s not yet known what caused the crash.
Police Scotland, which released the picture of Mr Denison-Pender today, said inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the disaster continue.
Detective Inspector Samantha Davidson said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Nicholas as they come to terms with their loss.
‘The family have asked for their privacy at this difficult time.
Nicholas Denison-Pender, 50, from Perthshire, was pronounced dead at the scene after the aircraft crashed near Fife Airport, Kinglassie, on Monday
The plane plummeted from the sky just moments after take-off at Fife airport shortly before 12pm on Monday
It’s not known what caused the accident. Pictured are emergency services workers at the scene of the crash
‘An investigation into the circumstances of the crash remains ongoing and we would ask for anyone with information to please come forward.’
Police and other emergency services – including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and a helicopter from the Coastguard – were scrambled after the crash.
A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said earlier: ‘We were alerted at 11.38am on Monday December 23, to an incident involving a light aircraft near Kinglassie, Fife.
‘Operations Control mobilised two appliances and a heavy rescue unit to the scene to assist emergency services partners.’
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch confirmed it has sent a team of investigators following the incident.
It said: ‘An investigation has begun into an accident involving a light aircraft which occurred near Fife Airport on 23 December 2024.
‘A team of inspectors are travelling to the accident site to make enquiries and gather evidence as part of the process of conducting a safety investigation.’
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 1136 of December 23.
Fife Airport has been contacted for comment.
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