Pilot trapped for 40 minutes after Long Mynd glider crash
[gallery] A glider pilot was cut free by firefighters after crashing from 200 feet on to the Long Mynd during take-off.
The accident happened at the landmark near Church Stretton shortly before 1pm yesterday.
The pilot, who was trapped for around 40 minutes in the wreckage, was able to walk to an ambulance before being taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
The Midland Gliding Club confirmed the glider was one of its fleet but declined to comment further.
A West Mercia Police spokesman said air accident investigators had been informed of the incident.
Suzie Fothergill, spokesman for the West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "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 with only minor abrasion injuries and mild back pain."
Ms Fothergill continued: "The man was immobilised at the scene as a precaution and conveyed to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, via land 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 in the accident."
The Air Ambulance attended the accident but was not required.
