Langley Air Force Base: 'Experimental' plane crashes at military base as probe launched

An "experimental" has crashed on approach to an air force base with emergency services on the scene and no details yet confirmed on injuries.

A crashed while heading to Langley Air Force Base, in Hampton, Virginia, at around 2.10pm local time on Thursday and there is a large presence of first responders currently at the scene. The National Transportation Safety Board says they are "investigating the crash of an experimental MX Aircraft MXS".

So far there are no confirmed details on injuries or the cause of the incident, but based on initial gatherings, it appears the plane crashed while seeking to land at Langley Air Force Base and there was just one person on board.

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An MX Aircraft MXS is a single-seat stunt plane that is commonly used for competitive aerobatics in air shows. The crash comes just two days before the scheduled Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show.

Officials have not confirmed whether this crash is connected to the upcoming event. Famed stunt pilot Rob Holland, who flies the MX Aircract MXS, is scheduled to perform at the air show this weekend.

The Federal Aviation Administration stated after the incident: "An MX Aircraft MXS crashed while the pilot was attempting to land at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia around 11:50 a.m. local time on Thursday, April 24.

"Only the pilot was on board. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide any updates.”

The statement from the NTSB read: "An NTSB investigator is en route to the scene and is expected to arrive tomorrow morning. Once on site, the investigator will begin the process of documenting the scene and examining the aircraft.

"The aircraft will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation. NTSB investigations involve three primary areas: the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment."

It added that the probe will examine information including flight track data, recordings of any air traffic control communications, maintenance records.

On the base's website it publicises the Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show and the performers for the two day event, which includes the USAF Thunderbirds.

It states: "The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents. Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon."

Langley Air Force Base is one of the oldest Air Force facilities in the United States, having been established in December 1916, prior to the country's entry to World War I.