Pilot still 'critical' after crash
FAMILY and friends are praying for the recovery of a microlight pilot who crash landed on a golf course.
John Swindail, of Meigh Road, Werrington, remains at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire in a critical condition. He underwent surgery yesterday as doctors sought to treat severe injuries which were initially described as "life threatening".
Mr Swindail, who is in his 50s, was flying his microlight at about 1.15pm on Wednesday, when he got into difficulties and crashed by the third hole of Park Hall Golf Course, near Weston Coyney.
Witnesses to the crash called out emergency services and tried to keep Mr Swindail still. He was airlifted to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire after firefighters freed him from the wreckage.
Yesterday the close-knit community of Werrington was shocked at the accident and well wishers were praying for Mr Swindail's recovery.
Werrington councillor Bill Day, who serves on both Staffordshire County and Moorlands District councils, said: "It was quite a shock to find out it was John who had been flying the microlight. His wife and family must be devastated.
"We are just hoping he pulls through without any after effects.
"We are a close-knit community in Werrington. I visited John not long ago about an issue he had. He was someone you would see about the village.
"He will be in our thoughts and prayers."
Werrington Parish councillor Lisa Martin said: "They are a lovely, lovely family, I've known them for over 20 years. He has got a super wife, son and family.
"They will be devastated. They are very close. John works as a driving instructor and he often walks his dog, Archer, around Park Hall. He used to be in a local band.
"They are all in our thoughts and prayers. I really hope he comes through all right."
Fellow parish councillor Tony McNulty said: "He's a nice bloke. I used to have a lot to do with him because we were both into CB radio, but I have known him on and off for years.
"Lots of people know him and will be worried about him. It is a shock to find out he was flying the microlight."
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, Mr Swindail bought his Gemini Flash microlight in September last year. The light aircraft, manufactured by Mainair Sports Ltd, was built in 1990. It has a safety permit to fly until May 2010.
Officers from the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) visited the scene of the crash yesterday and took the wreckage of the microlight away for further analysis.
A police spokesman said: "The scene of the accident at Park Hall Golf Course has now been closed. The AAIB investigators have also left the scene.
"The injured man remains in hospital. There is no change in his condition."
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Story filed in: Staffordshire Police | News
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