Tory Island where the microlight plane crash landed.
A 38-year-old pilot managed to walk away with only minor injuries after crash landing his plane on Tory Island.
Details of the incident involving a microlight plane are contained in a report just published by the Irish Air Accident Investigation Unit.
It reveals how the aircraft sustained substantial damage but the pilot escaped virtually unscathed.
Air Accident Investigators only became aware of the crash after being contacted by a local journalist, the report also reveals.
The crash occurred just before 5pm on May 9 last year after the pilot took off from Finn Valley Airfield.
After navigating the 31 mile journey to Tory, the pilot was making final preparations to return to Finn Valley when the plane’s engine cut out.
He made three attempts to restart it but when they failed, he was forced to begin making emergency landing preparations.
He elected to attempt a landing on a road leading to Tory Island’s lighthouse but was unable to lose enough height to complete the manoeuvre.
He then tried to land on the road from the opposite direction but again was unable to do so. Eventually he put the aircraft down on rough terrain just to the east of the roadway.
The report reveals, “The terrain was rough and the microlight sustained substantial damage however the pilot was able to exit unaided. There was no post-impact fire. The pilot advised the investigation that he was wearing a life vest during the flight.
“The pilot sustained minor injuries, which included a cut to his left arm and a bruise to his right leg.”
In their findings, investigators said an engine shutdown due to fuel starvation was to blame. A resin-based coating on the inside of one of the fuel tanks had flaked, causing a blockage in fuel flow.
Among several safety recommendations made following the crash, the Air Accident Investigation Unit said the British Microlight Aircraft Association should consider developing inspection instructions for aircraft fitted with similar fuel tanks.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)