KELLY HODEL/Waikato Times
STINKER: The pilot of this CTC Aviation plane from Hamilton escaped injury after it overshot the runway and landed in the sewage ponds beside the Thames airfield yesterday morning.
Pilot a bit flushed after landing in sewage pond
By BELINDA FEEK - Waikato Times | Tuesday, 28 October 2008
A pilot got himself in the poo yesterday after his plane overshot the runway coming in to land at the Thames airfield.
The pilot - from Hamilton's training school, CTC Aviation - made a sudden landing and ended up dunked in the town's sewage pond system.
Crew Training Centre Aviation chief executive John Jones said the man was on a navigation exercise to build up his flying hours.
However, a suspected engine problem near Thames meant the pilot was caught short - and had to make an immediate landing.
"It wasn't weather or wind. We think there was a cough in the engine, but we're not sure yet." The plane had since been pulled out of the pond and was grounded until it had been inspected.
Mr Jones said it was unlikely the Civil Aviation Authority would be called in and the pilot was uninjured.
"It's not a serious issue. When you put it into perspective we do 45,000 flying hours a year, which is probably the most out of all the airlines in New Zealand apart from Air New Zealand."
Mr Jones said the pilot was uninjured.
"He was fine. Just a bit wet."
He didn't think the pilot realised what he had landed in.
Mr Jones said he was impressed with the way the pilot handled himself and the incident.
"I think he did quite well to be honest. You get these things."
The Thames SPCA is next to the airfield and manager Rebecca Pearson said the pilot came over to use their phone.
"He was good. He was pretty much in shock and very wet ... He wasn't wanting to say too much."
Ms Pearson said of all the ponds to land in, it was probably the best as it contained the less concentrated effluent.
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