Crash pilot's 'phenomenal' landing is praised by crew

AIR rescue pilot John Hardie will today be questioned by accident investigators over engine problems that led to his heroic crash landing, which one crew member described as requiring 'phenomenal' skill.

Volunteer James Ridout was sitting beside the pilot when the Guernsey-based Channel Islands Air Search aircraft crashed landed in Jersey, while searching for two missing fishermen.

All five Guernsey crew escaped unscathed from the wreckage, and volunteer pilot Mr Hardie has been credited for saving them from tragic consequences.

The UK Air Accident Investigation Branch has launched an investigation to establish the exact reasons why the aircraft lost power.

Air Search observer Mr Ridout, 28, who by day works in construction, said they were all just incredibly lucky.

'All I can really say is John was phenomenal,' he said after returning home to Guernsey.

'I was sat up the front next to him. He was just unbelievable to get us down safely. All the while he was very calm and professional.'