Copter pilot escapes with broken legs in horror crash

Firefighters handle debris from the crashed chopper

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A pilot miraculously escaped with his life after his helicopter crashed into a hill above his moorland home in Saddleworth yesterday afternoon.

The aircraft toppled on its side, trapping pilot David Cummaford (46) inside.

Mr Cummaford suffered two broken legs in the crash landing which happened only yards from his luxury home at Pack Horse Slack off the A62 at Delph.

Emergency crews went to the scene below the crest of Diggle Edge 1,000ft above sea level.

Mr Cummaford, a businessman, was freed by firefighters before being stretchered to a waiting hospital helicopter which flew him to Wythenshawe Hospital.

Insp Danny Milovanovic, based in Uppermill, said: “The pilot got into difficulty as he was coming in to land.

“He was extremely lucky not to have been more severely hurt. The Civil Aviation Authority is now investigating the incident.”

Walker Geoff Owen (63), from Delph, was in Castleshaw Lane near the outdoor centre, when he saw the helicopter take off in bright sunshine with good visibility.

He said: “It flew over the valley and reservoir then turned round and came right overhead and went back towards the Saddleworth Hotel.

“All of a sudden it went into a spiral and came crashing down in fields to the right of Huddersfield Road. The pilot was trying to control it, but it was going in ever-decreasing circles.

“I saw it until it was about 10 or 20ft before it hit the ground behind bushes and the hill. As I walked on I could see it on its side.”

Michael Clegg, of Palin Road, Delph, said: “I was sitting in my garden when I saw the helicopter spinning in the air as if it was out of control.

“It regained control and headed towards Harrop Edge and suddenly I heard a deafening bang. It had crashed.

“It wasn’t long before I heard police and ambulance sirens and I knew something terrible had happened.”

Mr Cummaford was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital by helicopter.

The helicopter is believed to be a Robinson R44 four seater, and possibly suffered tail-rotor failure.

Mr Cummaford is general manager of AbCoMa Ltd of Wellyhole Street, Oldham, and is recognised as one of the leading experts in coating and laminating. He travels extensively giving consultancy and advice.

He is a keen yachtsman and believed to be a member of Pwhelli Sailing Club. He had just come back from racing off Ireland in his boat Converting Machine IV.