MaxPower
07-17-2006, 12:14 AM
The pilot of an RAF fighter jet that crashed near a pub and main road ejected just seconds before the plane hit the ground, it has emerged. The Harrier GR9, from RAF Cottesmore in Rutland, came down near Sturdy's Castle Pub, Tackley, on Thursday afternoon.
The plane came down and
exploded near a pub and main road.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41884000/jpg/_41884402_planecrash203.jpg
The pilot, who was unhurt, has been praised for steering away from nearby homes and businesses.
Gp Capt Shaun Bell told BBC News: "He ejected about two or three seconds before the aircraft hit the ground."
Work will continue at the
scene over the weekend
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41885000/jpg/_41885032_crashplane.jpg
'Thankful no one injured'
He added: "He was probably under the parachute for no more than a couple of seconds as well - and I think he hit the ground pretty hard as a result of that."
The pilot is believed to be receiving medical checks at a hospital in Nottingham.
Eyewitness Matt Gray told the BBC News Website: "It seems the aircraft did a fly-by of Oxford Airport first before circling around - possibly to join the traffic pattern for landing.
"Being a keen plane spotter I went for the camera to get a nice shot of the aircraft landing, but to my horror I turned around to see a plume of black smoke."
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/5181590.stm
Sad to read that RAF lost a GR9. But thank g-d for the pilot ejected in time.
The plane came down and
exploded near a pub and main road.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41884000/jpg/_41884402_planecrash203.jpg
The pilot, who was unhurt, has been praised for steering away from nearby homes and businesses.
Gp Capt Shaun Bell told BBC News: "He ejected about two or three seconds before the aircraft hit the ground."
Work will continue at the
scene over the weekend
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41885000/jpg/_41885032_crashplane.jpg
'Thankful no one injured'
He added: "He was probably under the parachute for no more than a couple of seconds as well - and I think he hit the ground pretty hard as a result of that."
The pilot is believed to be receiving medical checks at a hospital in Nottingham.
Eyewitness Matt Gray told the BBC News Website: "It seems the aircraft did a fly-by of Oxford Airport first before circling around - possibly to join the traffic pattern for landing.
"Being a keen plane spotter I went for the camera to get a nice shot of the aircraft landing, but to my horror I turned around to see a plume of black smoke."
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/5181590.stm
Sad to read that RAF lost a GR9. But thank g-d for the pilot ejected in time.