Witnesses describe moment microlight plane crashed at field in Burtonwood

A 36-year-old pilot had to be airlifted to hospital after the one-seater plane plunged into the field close to Hall Lane Farm, at the border of Newton and Burtonwood.

His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

People in Wargrave spotted the microlight flying low over Tyrer Road and said he appeared to be waving. 

But moments later they say it appeared he clipped the power line and came crashing down into the field.

A family who were among the first at the scene said he appeared to be unconscious before coming round after a few minutes.

Among those at the scene was Newton Councillor Seve Gomez Aspron.

He said: "I came outside to see what was going on after hearing an aircraft spluttering and stalling. I saw a microlight flying very low over the houses at Bradlegh Road and over Sankey Canal.

"Many residents were out watching. At first, I wondered whether it was intentional, but then it seemed to be more erratic.

"This concerned me and so I contacted the police.

"The aircraft then flew towards Tyrer Road and suddenly went silent. I feared that there had been a crash.

"I rushed down to where the aircraft had crashed and there was damage to the electric pylon cable.

"The air ambulance and emergency services were already in the area before the crash, making me think that the pilot may have contacted them and tried to run the aircraft out of fuel before ditching it.

"The gentleman was in distress but had gained consciousness after I arrived. My best wishes go out to him and his family. The emergency services were swift and professional."

A Cheshire Fire Service spokesman said: "A man was taken to hospital after a microlight collided with over head powerlines and crashed into a field.

"The victim suffered head and leg injuries and was airlifted to hospital.

"A cordon was set up and a fuel leak from the aircraft was contained. The powerline was isolated by the electricity company."

The incident has been reported to the Civil Aviation Authority.