A firebomber pilot survived a forced landing / crash in Victoria's high country last night. After dropping his load he applied power to climb out of the valley............................no sound heard from the engine. Realising he was going in, he decided to make a forced landing in the canopy rather than crash. After comming to rest the aircraft caught fire! He escaped with a lot of cuts and bruises. His comrades in arms on the ground got to him as the bushfire started by his aircraft began to close in. He was assisted to a clearing where he was winched by the air ambulance 412 to Albury. A very relieved pilot who clutched his flight helmet the whole way to hospital. The helmet sustained a huge impact which saved his scone!
Well Done.
