Light a/c crash, IOM

[Ransman]

Heard on 121.5 report of an aircraft crash on the hills near Andreas. The pilot of a light aircraft had spotted the downed aircraft and called in the location on 121.5. A military helicopter was on exercise towards the south of the island and offered to go north to investigate. Any further info? We went out of range. Hope all ok, and well done to the pilot of the light a/c (G-**AU) for getting help.

[Drop The Dunlops]

Also heard this today and checked it out when I landed.

Two casualties from a microlight crash in the hills near Andreas. Injuries not thought to be life threatening thankfully, especially as the ETA for the RAF Valley SAR team was 55 minutes after the first Navy 'copter was scrambled.

DTD

[Ransman]

Just found these reports from the local radio station website:
Emergency services have rushed to help the pilot of a micro light aircraft, which has crashed north of Andreas.
It is understood the pilot got into difficulties during a short test flight and came down close to Bride.
A Royal Navy helicopter which was in the area and assisted at the scene.
The microlight had taken off from Andreas airfield for a short local flight.
The alarm was raised by the crew of a light aircraft which saw the stricken microlight and reported it to the authorities. Emergency services were all sent to the scene.
A Royal Navy helicopter which was on exercise in the area located the scene of the crash and put down nearby to help
There were two people on board - one has a broken leg and the other a broken wrist. They have been taken to hospital by ambulance.
Meanwhile an RAF helicopter was also diverted to help - but has now continued to RAF Valley. .
And:
Two men escaped with their lives after their microlight plane crash-landed near Andreas on Friday lunchtime.
It's understood the plane had been built from a kit by one of the men, who were taking it on a test circuit.
The aircraft had previously completed a first test flight without incident - but during the second, it's thought a sudden down-draft may have caused the plane to crash.
It's owner - a 71-year old aviation enthusiast - suffered multiple fractures. His test pilot was more seriously injured - with two broken legs and a possible fractured pelvis.
Both were taken to Noble's Hospital for treatment
Two military helicopters diverted to the scene to offer help.

[gcolyer]

It is someone i know. I watched the aircraft slowly being built. It took off from andreas with the owner and an examiner onboard. It did not have enough power to carry the two people and crashed in to the hill at Bride. We don't know yet if it was a tech problem or w&b error. The owner is ok, the examiner is seriously injured.

[Ransman]

Did the authorities know of the crash prior to the pilot of G-AU calling it in on 121.5? If not, these guys could owe their lives to him. Excellent job on the RT G-AU, calm and factual, directing help straigt to the accident site. Hope they recover from their injuries quickly. What type of a/c was it 3 axis or weight shift?

[gcolyer]

Not sure what it is they buit, but it looked like a minature piper cub with a 1500cc engine.

[Diddley Dee]

No we did not know of the incident prior to the light ac calling us on 121.5, SAROPS started at that point.

DD