Monday 25 July 2011

Pilot killed after helicopter hits power lines and crashes in field

Personal Injury Cornwall

A helicopter pilot died after hitting power lines before crashing into a field and bursting into flames.

The man, aged in his 40s, was flying alone when he suddenly lost altitude before the accident happened.

He was in a remote area close to Bude, Cornwall, when the accident happened yesterday afternoon.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch have launched an investigation as they try to establish how the incident happened.

The identity if the pilot has not been released although his next of kin have been informed.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: 'The helicopter was privately owned and came down in a field about five miles from Bude between Marhamchurch and Week St Mary.

'It is a very isolated area with no roads nearby for reference.

'Air Accident Investigation Branch are looking into the incident'

Beth Sachs, who lives with her husband and young children around 300 yards from where the helicopter came down, said she had heard the stricken helicopter making 'strange noises'.

'I didn't see it come down but I heard it fly over making strange noises,' she said.

'A fire engine from Launceston went by and then the electricity went off for about an hour.'
Around 300 homes lost their power supply following the accident yesterday afternoon.

Western Power shut down the line while emergency services attended the crash scene. The power was later switched back on.

source: dailymail.co.uk

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