Devastated' pilot 'speaks out after Foston plane crash

A pilot has been left devastated after being refused permission to fly from an airfield that he has spent three years developing, after one of his planes crashed into residential gardens in Foston.

The two-seater microlight had taken off from Foston Airfield just moments before it plummeted to the ground last month.

The pilot and his passenger escaped serious injury.

Foston airfield operator Mark Sears, 55, of Meden Vale, Mansfield, has been a pilot for over 15 years.

He was with the plane’s pilot and passenger moments before it took off on August 18.

Mark moved to Foston Airfield three years ago to settle among ‘like-minded pilots and enjoy flying from a safe, secure and friendly base.’

He said: “I moved my microlight and caravan into the airfield and set about rebuilding it with a fellow pilot. We transformed it into an airfield that we would both be proud to call our own.”

As well as installing safety measures including fire-fighting and First Aid equipment, Mark also registered the field with National Air Traffic Services (NATS) in a bid to put Foston Airfield on the aviation map.

Mark added: “As there was no record of flight manoeuvres, I also supplied an Aircraft Movement logbook as required by law and also in the interests of safety, I liaised with the local RAF base Barkston Heath and regularly attended the LAUG safety meetings at Cranwell by invite of Wing Commander McAlister.

“Until now Foston Airfield has been my dream come true and I have happily spent a great deal of time and money developing the site, including installing solar power, toilet facilities, running water and safety measures.”

Mark has also introduced new pilots into the field and welcomed visiting pilots including local RAF families who have used it for meeting each other.

He added: “We have integrated well with many locals and villagers and have always tried to be respectful.”

Mark recently purchased a Fixed Wing Thruster Microlight with another pilot.

He added: “It was fully serviced, in good order and with a fresh permit – this being the equivalent of a very strict car MOT carried out every 12 months.”

Being new to this type of aircraft, the two pilots underwent some conversion training and in the absence of their local flying teacher, were pleased to find a highly qualified, experienced and recommended pilot instructor.

Excited at the prospect of both meeting with the pilot and taking their first flight in their new plane, Mark and his co-pilot met up with the instructor at Foston Airfield on August 18.

Mark added: “We checked each others paperwork and the pilot ran the engine and did thorough checks as required on the ground before taking off for flight.

“Foston Airfield makes it very clear to everyone that flight over any village and/or Equestrian Centre is not allowed.

“This is stated on our sign, in all paperwork and verbally.

“Flying over houses is not something that any pilot does lightly, so as I watched our Thruster take off, I don’t know how it ended up in someone’s back garden.”

Following the crash, the parish council held an emergency meeting.

Mark added: “I wish that I and my fellow pilots had been invited to attend so we could have expressed our apologies to all involved and to voice our genuine interest in resolving any issues.”

Since the meeting, the owner of the airfield has asked the pilots not to fly in or out of Foston field and also to not allow other pilots to visit the field.

Mark added: “This is not a legal command but out of respect for our landlord and for all villagers I have put a NOTAM in place which is the usual safety measure to ensure there will be no take-offs or landings at Foston.

“This does not in itself ensure safety over the area as there are other active local airfields and also RAF Barkston Heath close by.

“This NOTAM will remain until we can all agree to lift it. I am hopeful that this incident will be realised as being an accident – an unintentional and unplanned event.”

The crash has been reported to the Air Accident Investigation Branch.

Mark added: “I am hoping that Foston Airfield can be re-opened in the near future. Sadly, this event has now marked my life and shattered my dream.”