Two pilots have each won damages after the microlight they were flying fell apart in mid-air.
Jim Martin, 54, was flying the microlight with a passenger, Jon Kerr, when its tail snapped off. The plane was sent spinning through the air and fell 1,000 feet to the ground, crash-landing on a golf course. Mr Martin managed to steer the craft towards some trees, which helped break their fall and probably saved their lives.
Mr Martin fractured both of his legs in the accident, which also left him with a brain injury. He still suffers from pain five years later and now has to walk with a stick.
Mr Kerr also suffered serious injuries, including broken legs, a broken arm and a fractured skull.
An investigation into the crash found that the bolts securing the tail fin of the plane had become corroded. The two men brought an action against Dyn’ Aero, the French manufacturer of the aircraft, on the ground that the bolts were defective. Dyn’ Aero eventually agreed to pay each of the men a six-figure sum in compensation.
In spite of the severity of their injuries, Mr Martin and Mr Kerr have both returned to employment.
If you have suffered an injury during a leisure activity because of a defect in the equipment you were using, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us for advice on how to proceed with your claim.