enq
16th Jul 2002, 09:56
Plane leaves pilot behind after he spins propeller
A plane without a pilot has crashed into three others after nearly taking off at an Australian airport.
The pilot had spun the Cessna's propeller when it started moving at Darwin airport before he was able to get back inside.
Owner of two of the damaged planes John Hardy told ABC News Online it almost became airborne.
The pilots' three children were inside. They only suffered minor injuries.
Mr Hardy says the Cessna careered across the tarmac before crashing and stopping.
"He wasn't in the aeroplane but his three children were - which is pretty frightening - and the aircraft engine sprung in to life and developed enough power to tear off down the taxiway," he said.
He added: "I think one wheel was off the ground and it was accelerating very quickly."
A police spokeswoman said: "Apparently the pilot was outside trying to start it and it started moving and crashed."
Story filed: 09:10 Tuesday 16th July 2002
Very nearly the youngest first solo on the airfield no doubt.
A plane without a pilot has crashed into three others after nearly taking off at an Australian airport.
The pilot had spun the Cessna's propeller when it started moving at Darwin airport before he was able to get back inside.
Owner of two of the damaged planes John Hardy told ABC News Online it almost became airborne.
The pilots' three children were inside. They only suffered minor injuries.
Mr Hardy says the Cessna careered across the tarmac before crashing and stopping.
"He wasn't in the aeroplane but his three children were - which is pretty frightening - and the aircraft engine sprung in to life and developed enough power to tear off down the taxiway," he said.
He added: "I think one wheel was off the ground and it was accelerating very quickly."
A police spokeswoman said: "Apparently the pilot was outside trying to start it and it started moving and crashed."
Story filed: 09:10 Tuesday 16th July 2002
Very nearly the youngest first solo on the airfield no doubt.