Pilot relives terrifying south Longford plane crash
A Longford pilot has spoken of how his many years of flying experience effectively saved his life after his light aircraft burst into flames seconds after making an emergency landing last week.
Multi-time Irish Aerobatic champion Dave Bruton, astonishingly escaped serious injury after the light aircraft's engine seized in mid-flight last Tuesday (June 20).
The Ballynacargy man was able to provide a detailed account to air accident investigators who have since begun a probe into what happened.
“I wouldn’t have survived but for my knowledge and expertise as a pilot,” he said.
That competence saw the brains behind aircraft maintenance firm, Midland Aviation, escape from the mangled wreckage moments before it caught fire.
The Department of Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Unit revealed it has begun an investigation.
A spokesman said: “On Tuesday 20th June 2023, the AAIU was notified of an accident involving a light aircraft that had conducted a forced landing in a field approximately five kilometres southeast of Abbeyshrule Airfield, Co. Longford.
“Four AAIU inspectors deployed to the accident location near Paddinstown Lower, Co Westmeath, to commence an investigation. This entailed an initial inspection of the aircraft and a survey of the accident site.”
Officials have since taken a statement from Dave with the plane itself having been taken to a site in Meath to be examined.
The spokesman explained: “The aircraft wreckage has now been removed from the accident site and has been transported to the AAIU Wreckage Examination Facility in Gormanston, Co Meath, for further detailed examination.
“The investigation is ongoing, and a final report will be published in due course.”