The Air Accident Investigation Unit is to carry out an investigation into the circumstances of an aircraft collision that occurred near Waterford this afternoon (Thursday, 20 November).
It was confirmed that one person has died after the light aircraft crashed into a field north east of the coastal town of Tramore and just a short distance from the runway at Waterford Airport, near the R685 road, in the townland of Lisselan.
A screenshot from Flightradar24 App shows the plane, a Vulcanair P.68C, was enroute from Sligo to Béziers in France, but made a U-turn out in the Irish Sea and was approaching the Waterford coastline when it went down in a field, in the townland of Lisselan, just north east of Tramore and a short distance from the runway at Waterford Airport, at around 12.50 pm on Thursday, 20 November, 2025
A Garda spokesperson told The Munster Express: “Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of a collision involving a light aircraft at a location near Tramore, Co. Waterford which occurred at approximately 12.50pm this afternoon, Thursday, 20 November 2025. As this is a live and ongoing operation, no further information is available at this time.”
Traffic diversions were put in place since the incident.
A response from the emergency services was immediately launched, with an estimated number of 25 emergency personnel attending the scene. The Rescue 117 Helicopter is also present at the scene in response to the incident.
The Irish Aviation Authority confirmed to The Munster Express that the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) of the Department of Transport is investigating the incident with the relevant emergency services.
“We are aware of an accident involving an aircraft in Co. Waterford,” a spokesperson for the Irish Aviation Authority told this newspaper. “The AAIU is responsible for investigating accidents and serious incidents as defined in ICAO Annex 13 and associated implementing regulations. The Irish Aviation Authority will support the AAIU in its investigation into the accident,” the spokesperson added.
The aircraft involved in the crash is believed to have been a Vulcanair P.68C which was travelling from Sligo Airport to Béziers Cap D’Agde Airport in France.
The Vulcanair Aircraft P.68C Series is a six seater, twin engine, high wing, fixed landing gear aircraft and can carry five passengers plus the pilot.
As news of the incident begins to filter through, local representatives voiced their thoughts and prayers to those involved.
Deputy David Cullinane advised motorists to stay informed about traffic updates in the area and said: “Terrible news. Hoping everyone is safe.”
Deputy Conor D. McGuinness said: “Hearing reports of a twin engine plane crashing just outside Waterford Airport. Praying for the best outcome. Road closures in the vicinity. Please give our emergency services the space to do their work”.
