Pilot calls on his expertise to survive plane crash

THE flying skills of a former airline pilot saved his life when he managed to put his tiny homemade plane down in a field near Limerick after it suffered engine failure.

Tony Khan, who is an instructor with Limerick Flying Club, walked away from the wreckage without any serious injury.

He had taken off from Coonagh airfield on Monday afternoon when his tiny Cri-Cri plane lost power.

Local resident Mick Neville said: “He must be a good pilot as he came very near a crane which is being used on the building of the new road.”

Mr Khan, who is in his early 30s, is regarded as one of the most experienced pilots in the flying club.

After the alarm was raised three units of Limerick Fire service rushed to the scene along with a number of ambulance crews.

Inspectors from the air accident investigation unit of the Department of Transport have visited the scene of Monday’s accident.

Mr Neville, who is a member of the newly formed Coonagh Residents Association, said they are seeking a meeting with the flying club as they are concerned that one particular plane flies close to residential areas.

Mr Neville said: “One plane (not the one involved in Monday’s accident) does cart wheels and comes very close over the roofs of houses.

His neighbour, John Culleton recalled another serious incident some years ago.

“A plane came down about 100 yards from my house. It came down in a field. The pilot jumped clear and the plane then burst into flames,” Mr Culleton

He said residents were concerned at the flight paths of some aircraft taking off and landing at Coonagh.