Lucky escape for pilot as glider crashes

20140610-064925.jpg

Monday 16th June 2014 – 5.10pm – Suzie Fothergill.

A pilot has escaped serious injury after his glider crashed to the ground in Shropshire today.

West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham to the Long Mynd in Church Stretton shortly before 1pm this afternoon. The fire service was also in attendance.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews received a 999 call to a glider crash on the Long Mynd this afternoon. It was reported that the glider, which was being towed approximately 100-200 feet in the air, plummeted to the ground before skidding and overturning on to its roof.

“Crews worked closely with the fire service and staff from the gliding club to safely extricate the pilot from the aircraft. Fortunately, the pilot, a man in his 50’s, walked away from the incident with a minor abrasion injuries and mild back pain.

“The man was immobilised at the scene as a pre-caution and conveyed to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, via land ambulance, for further assessment and treatment.

“Given the nature of the incident the pilot was extremely fortunate to have not sustained more serious or even fatal injuries.”

Ends

Leave a Reply