A Gyrocopter that has landed on the runway of Bembridge Airport and then flipped upside down has sparked a significant emergency response this afternoon (Wednesday).
The incident occurred at approximately 12:10, with local witnesses reporting hearing a loud bang before looking over to the airport’s runway and seeing a helicopter upside down.
Island Echo understands that the aircraft landed; however suffered a malfunction in its propellers, which made it flip.
Units from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, including the armed response vehicle, are on scene at the airport as well as a fire appliance from Ryde and critical care paramedics.
It is understood that the pilot of the aircraft has miraculously escaped the incident with minor injuries.
UPDATE @ 13:05 – The Gyrocopter is now righted, having been put back on its wheels.
2 appliances from Ryde and Newport as well as a fire officer remain on scene who are utilising hose reel jets to hose down the scene where there may be fuel debris.
An operational commander, Rapid Response paramedic and a Silver commander remain present to provide medical care to the pilot.
Airport staff were seen to be loading the broken propellers into an ATV before towing the severed aircraft off of the runway.
