A PILOT walked away without serious injury when his glider crashed near Church Stretton.

The incident, that had emergency services rushing to the scene, happened at 1pm on Monday (June 16).

West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched an ambulance, a paramedic area support officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham to the Long Mynd in Church Stretton.

The fire service was also in attendance.

“Crews received a 999 call to a glider crash on the Long Mynd,” said Suzie Fothergill, of the West Midlands Ambulance Service.

“It was reported that the glider, which was being towed approximately 100 to 200 feet in the air, plummeted to the ground before skidding and overturning on to its roof.

“Crews worked closely with the fire service and staff from the gliding club to safely extricate the pilot from the aircraft. Fortunately, the pilot, a man in his 50s, walked away from the incident with a minor abrasion injuries and mild back pain.

“The man was immobilised at the scene as a precaution and conveyed to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, via ambulance, for further assessment and treatment.

“Given the nature of the incident the pilot was extremely fortunate to have not sustained more serious or even fatal injuries.”