Lucky escape for ultralight pilot

The pilot of an ultralight plane was lucky to escape major injury when his craft cartwheeled through powerlines when it crashed on the weekend.

Valley of the Giants Ecopark guests watched as 62-year-old pilot Tony Drake crashed at Nornalup at about 5pm on Saturday.

Park owner Jim Goodsall said the pilot was known for flying near tourist areas, including the ecopark which had about 200 guests at the time.

Mr Goodsall said park guests bravely negotiated live power lines in fading light to free Mr Drake from the wreckage.

Mr Drake is suffering from broken ribs, scratches and bruising, but did not go to hospital until Monday.

Walpole police officer-in-charge Sergeant Paul Morrell said no charges would be laid.

He said Mr Drake was trying to land the aircraft after experiencing problems.

“He was having problems losing altitude and was trying to bring it down when he clipped the power lines which he couldn’t see,” Sgt Morrell said.

The incident caused a blackout in Nornalup until midnight while Western Power repaired the damaged pole and lines.

Protocol requires the crash to be reported to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau which will decide if an investigation is warranted.