Forced landing in Blackpool

[MartG]

A microlight made a forced landing on Blackpool beach today, after the pilot's helmet visor detached and flew into the propeller, destroying one of the blades. Luckily the tide was out, and the Coastguard towed him off the beach.

[Prawo Jazdy]

Tough call. Fight for your life in the brown autumn water or go to Blackpool.

[djc206]

Prawo Jazdy said:

Tough call. Fight for your life in the brown autumn water or go to Blackpool.

He missed

[williamp]

being towed along a beach by a land rover. Probably the fastest its ever moved!

[Collectingbrass]

[Simpo Two]

I'm surprised the blade failed - visors aren't very heavy. The vibration can't have been much fun.

[renmure]

I have landed mine on a few beaches.
Intentionally tho.

[CrutyRammers]

Simpo Two said:

I'm surprised the blade failed - visors aren't very heavy. The vibration can't have been much fun.

That's a good point. I'd have expected the blade to just swat it away. I bet it scared the crap out of him.

[Eric Mc]

I remember watching a documentary on TV a few years ago about two chaps who were flying micro-lights from the west cost to the east cost of England. They were flying in formation and communicating with each other using small hand held walkie-talkies. On chap inadvertently dropped his walkie-talkie which then flew back into the prop and knocked a big chunk out of it. That also entailed a forced landing.

One of the problems with open cockpits and pusher props, I guess.

[CrutyRammers]

Eric Mc said:

I remember watching a documentary on TV a few years ago about two chaps who were flying micro-lights from the west cost to the east cost of England. They were flying in formation and communicating with each other using small hand held walkie-talkies. On chap inadvertently dropped his walkie-talkie which then flew back into the prop and knocked a big chunk out of it. That also entailed a forced landing.

One of the problems with open cockpits and pusher props, I guess.

Ouch.
In my paragliding kit I've got absolutely everything on a lanyard or sealed in a pocket...wouldn't dream of holding something loose.