Menu
26/07/2013
Light Plane Crash Lands In Ards
A pilot was forced to crash land his plane into a hedge in Newtownards, to avoid crashing in an open field where children were playing.
The incident happened around 5pm on Thursday when the aircraft made the emergency landing at Dairy Hall playing fields in Co Down.
The BBC has said the pilot, Michael McGrady, who is the chief flying instructor for the Ulster Flying Club, and his passenger were not seriously injured.
It is thought the passenger was on his first trial flight with the club.
Speaking to BBC NI's Good Morning Ulster, Chairman of the Ulster Flying Club, John Hughes, said: "He [the pilot] could easily have landed that aircraft undamaged but he avoided all the children.
"The pilot was our chief flying instructor and he is also a commercial pilot. This was about the skills of the man. If you saw the short length of field he put that aircraft down in, you would appreciate the skills he demonstrated yesterday afternoon.
"Without the gentleman's ability, we could have been in a spot of bother.
"It was about the skill of the pilot and the strength of the aircraft. Some would call it luck but you make your own luck. Fortunately, our chief flying instructor was flying the aircraft and that is the level of skill that we had."
On Thursday evening, a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed on Twitter that the two people on board walked from the plane and were being assessed.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has launched an inquiry into the incident.
(JP/CD)
The incident happened around 5pm on Thursday when the aircraft made the emergency landing at Dairy Hall playing fields in Co Down.
The BBC has said the pilot, Michael McGrady, who is the chief flying instructor for the Ulster Flying Club, and his passenger were not seriously injured.
It is thought the passenger was on his first trial flight with the club.
Speaking to BBC NI's Good Morning Ulster, Chairman of the Ulster Flying Club, John Hughes, said: "He [the pilot] could easily have landed that aircraft undamaged but he avoided all the children.
"The pilot was our chief flying instructor and he is also a commercial pilot. This was about the skills of the man. If you saw the short length of field he put that aircraft down in, you would appreciate the skills he demonstrated yesterday afternoon.
"Without the gentleman's ability, we could have been in a spot of bother.
"It was about the skill of the pilot and the strength of the aircraft. Some would call it luck but you make your own luck. Fortunately, our chief flying instructor was flying the aircraft and that is the level of skill that we had."
On Thursday evening, a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed on Twitter that the two people on board walked from the plane and were being assessed.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has launched an inquiry into the incident.
(JP/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 January 2006
Bombardier shelves CSeries project
Aircraft manufacturer Bombardier has shelved its planned 110 to 130-seater CSeries airliner as it shifts resources to work on regional jet and turboprop aircraft. Bombardier announced that "present market conditions do not justify the launch of the CSeries jet at this time".
Bombardier shelves CSeries project
Aircraft manufacturer Bombardier has shelved its planned 110 to 130-seater CSeries airliner as it shifts resources to work on regional jet and turboprop aircraft. Bombardier announced that "present market conditions do not justify the launch of the CSeries jet at this time".
16 October 2008
Prince Andrew Begins Flying Visit At Aircraft Factory
Just weeks after a visit by his sister, Princess Anne, the Duke of York has this afternoon begun a visit of Belfast, beginning with a tour of Bombardier Aerospace, (Shorts).
Prince Andrew Begins Flying Visit At Aircraft Factory
Just weeks after a visit by his sister, Princess Anne, the Duke of York has this afternoon begun a visit of Belfast, beginning with a tour of Bombardier Aerospace, (Shorts).
23 May 2006
Concern at low-flying survey aircraft
Police have said that people should not be concerned about a low-flying aircraft that is conducting a geological survey in parts of Northern Ireland for the next five months. The aerial survey is due to be completed by early July 2006.
Concern at low-flying survey aircraft
Police have said that people should not be concerned about a low-flying aircraft that is conducting a geological survey in parts of Northern Ireland for the next five months. The aerial survey is due to be completed by early July 2006.
12 February 2024
New Pilot Scheme Announced To Test Filming NI Appeal Court Judgements
A new pilot scheme to film the deliver of judgments in the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland, has been announced by the Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan. It is understood that during the pilot scheme, none of the judgements will be broadcast, but the filming used to test the process and inform future decisions.
New Pilot Scheme Announced To Test Filming NI Appeal Court Judgements
A new pilot scheme to film the deliver of judgments in the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland, has been announced by the Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan. It is understood that during the pilot scheme, none of the judgements will be broadcast, but the filming used to test the process and inform future decisions.
10 June 2010
Blind Fly System Planned For City
Just days after George Best Belfast City Airport had been experiencing problems due to low cloud - with most flights not operating on Tuesday morning - or having to be either diverted or delayed, a 'blind flying' system is being investigated.
Blind Fly System Planned For City
Just days after George Best Belfast City Airport had been experiencing problems due to low cloud - with most flights not operating on Tuesday morning - or having to be either diverted or delayed, a 'blind flying' system is being investigated.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Showers today, occasional north and west of Lough Neagh, but only a few isolated light outbreaks expected for Belfast and county Down where the best of the winter sunshine is expected. West to northwest winds brisk around the coasts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers focused across northern areas of the Province, with most in the south staying dry, with a frost developing for many here. Northwest winds fresh around the coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
