Helicopter crashes in back garden as children play at nearby property
Aircraft rose few feet before sliding backwards and tilting over, footage shows
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A helicopter has tipped over and crashed in a private back garden near Leicester, just yards away from where children were playing.
Andy Morris, 47, had just landed after an hour-long helicopter trip on Saturday afternoon and was trying to take off again from a large field at the back of his parents’ home in Shilton Road, Barwell, near Hinckley.
But the helicopter seemed unable to take off. Footage shows it rising just a few feet before sliding backwards slightly and tilting over, crashing on the ground.
The crash tore the tail section, smashed the rotor blade and sent scattered bits of debris flying off.
Mr Morris reportedly got out of the aircraft unscathed.
A group of adults and children at a nearby property said parts of the aircraft were only prevented from hitting them by a hedge.
Scott Tetchner, 43, who was at the party, told the Leicester Mercury: “The tail rotor came off and hit the top of the hedge. There was a big bang and the kids cleared the area.”
A Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We received a call at 15:46 with regards to a helicopter crash.
“There was one person on board but when we attended the scene he had already got out and there was no fire and no fuel leak.
“The ambulance and police were also in attendance.”
An Air Accidents Investigation Branch spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident involving a helicopter near Barwell, Leicestershire on Saturday.
“We are not sending a team to investigate but have had initial discussions with the pilot.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments