A PILOT has been taken to hospital after making an 'emergency landing' at Carlisle Lake District Airport this morning (Thursday, October 10).

Emergency services were called this morning at around 7.40am to a report of a small light aircraft making an 'emergency landing' on land near the runway shortly after takeoff. 

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, Cumbria Police, and North West Ambulance Service were among those who responded to the incident at the airport. 

There were no casualties, however, a man who was the single occupant of the aircraft was taken to Cumberland Infirmary with head and chest injuries.

A Cumbria Police spokesperson said: "Emergency services including police responded following a report at about 7.47am today (Thursday, October 10) that a light aircraft had crashed at Carlisle Lake District Airport.

"The single occupant of the aircraft, a man, was taken to Cumberland Infirmary with head and chest injuries.

"There were no other casualties."

Writing on social media after the incident, Carlisle Lake District Airport thanked local emergency services for their 'swift response'.

They said: "Following an incident with a light aircraft at the airport this morning, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the emergency services for their swift response.

"Special thanks to Cumbria Police, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, and North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust for their professionalism and dedication in managing the situation.

"Our thoughts are with the pilot and his family, and we are hopeful for his speedy recovery. We are cooperating fully with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch as they continue their enquiries."

Following the incident, The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), which investigates civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents within the UK, its overseas territories, and crown dependencies was also contacted, with the AAIB later confirming that they were 'making enquiries'.

A spokesperson for the AAIB said: "We are aware of an accident involving a light aircraft which occurred this morning near Carlisle airport and are making enquiries."