TWO men have made a miraculous escape from a light
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aircraft after it crashed into a paddock near West Wyalong yesterday.
Just before 8.30am, emergency services were called to a paddock off Wargin Road to the town’s south, when the microlight aircraft crashed shortly after take-off.
The plane, carrying a 35-year-old pilot and his 27-year-old passenger, reached a height of 50 metres before it plummeted back to ground.
The pilot was trapped for 30 minutes until paramedics and Fire and Rescue NSW could free him from the extensively damaged plane.
Suffering a fractured pelvis and suspected spinal injuries, the pilot was taken to West Wyalong Hospital before being flown to Canberra Hospital by the Snowy Hydro SouthCare helicopter.
The 27-year-old passenger was treated at West Wyalong Hospital for a leg laceration.
The cause and circumstances surround the incident are now under police investigation.
“We’re investigating to see whether there is any criminal negligence or criminal offences involved in the crash and are looking into the cause,” Griffith police Inspector Stuart Gair said.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and other civil aviation authorities were advised of the incident, with the ATSB stating it would not be undertaking any investigation.
In the meantime, police are appealing for anyone who saw the aircraft or the crash to come forward.
Witnesses can contact Griffith police on 6969 4299 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
