The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Two people had a lucky escape when a helicopter was left in flames after crashing into a light near the A17 in Fleet Hargate.
The incident happened around 1.45pm this afternoon (Sunday November 5) at the Anglian Motel.
John Kinder, a friend of Anglia Motel owner Harold Payne, said: ”The helicopter was being flown by Colin Bodil an experienced pilot from Nottingham and one other passenger collided with a flood light stanchion whilst taking off after a lunch break at the motel.
“Colin a regular at the venue was blinded by the low sunlight and failed to judge the distance.
“The helicopter engine caught on fire but was extinguished before arrival of the emergency services. Luckily no one was injured.”
A spokesman for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue said: ”Crews from Long Sutton and Spalding attended a helicopter crash on Washway Road, Fleet, Spalding.
“There was Severe fire damage to 100 per cent of the engine of the helicopter. The firewas on out on arrival, crews inspected the scene.”
A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police said: “We were called just after 1.45pm to reports of a helicopter crash in Fleet Hargate. Officers attended the scene. Two people were involved in the incident, who were the occupants of the aircraft, were not injured as a result. The Air Accident Investigation Bureau is leading any further enquiry.”
