The pilot and passenger of a Cessna 210 walked away unscathed after a controlled emergency landing at North Weald Airfield.
The aircraft, on route from Nottingham, contacted the Airfield at 11.38am on Friday 20 July to report a problem with the undercarriage. Emergency procedures clicked smoothly into place. North Weald Fire and Rescue, supported by 4 tenders from Essex County Fire and Rescue, Essex Police and ambulance were all in position before the aircraft came in to land.
At 12.30pm the aeroplane made a controlled landing with the nose wheel down but the main wheels retracted. The rescue services laid down foam as a precaution as the plane came to rest at the edge of the runway. The pilot and passenger emerged safely.
The airfield was closed temporarily and reopened at 4pm. The Aircraft Investigation Branch was contacted and the aircraft was removed from the runway.
John Gilbert, Director of Environment and Street Scene at Epping Forest District Council which owns North Weald Airfield thanked his own staff and the emergency services. He said: “I am delighted to say the pilot and passenger emerged safely from the plane. Thanks to the speed and professionalism of the airfield operations team rescue service and the Essex Fire and Rescue Service, the pilot had all to support and reassurance possible as he made his approach and safe landing. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in bringing the incident to such a safe and successful conclusion.”
