Latest news with #BBCHereford&Worcester
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Pilot died after plane took off and hit tree
A plane crash in which a pilot died after taking off solo from a private airfield was likely to have been caused by a low lift-off speed, a report has found. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) found the crash happened on the pilot's second flight in the aircraft, a modified Piper PA18-150 Super Cub, from Defford Airfield in Worcester last August. In his first flight at the airfield, also known as Croft Farm Airstrip, the pilot had flown with an instructor in the front, investigators said. The plane hit a tree, crashed and caught fire, leaving the 65-year-old man with injuries that were not survivable, the AAIB said. Investigators said, within two seconds of getting airborne, the plane was in a left turn heading towards obstacles. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft take a steep nose-up direction, but said it was not able to climb above a tree. The plane appeared to hit the tree and then made a steep descent, nose-first, into the ground, investigators were told. Twigs were found caught in the tail wheel showing the flight path and the height when the plane hit the tree. "The investigation considered it likely the relatively low lift-off speed… contributed to the pilot having insufficient aerodynamic control," the report said. The pilot had more than 1,500 hours of experience in non-commercial flying and had regularly flown from Croft Farm, it added. He did not have underlying medical issues. Investigators were unable to find any evidence of pre-accident faults with the plane and the weather had been good, with no low cloud. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Air accidents Investigation Branch
BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Worcester air crash pilot died after plane took off and hit tree
A plane crash in which a pilot died after taking off solo from a private airfield was likely to have been caused by a low lift-off speed, a report has Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) found the crash happened on the pilot's second flight in the aircraft, a modified Piper PA18-150 Super Cub, from Defford Airfield in Worcester last his first flight at the airfield, also known as Croft Farm Airstrip, the pilot had flown with an instructor in the front, investigators plane hit a tree, crashed and caught fire, leaving the 65-year-old man with injuries that were not survivable, the AAIB said. Investigators said, within two seconds of getting airborne, the plane was in a left turn heading towards reported seeing the aircraft take a steep nose-up direction, but said it was not able to climb above a plane appeared to hit the tree and then made a steep descent, nose-first, into the ground, investigators were were found caught in the tail wheel showing the flight path and the height when the plane hit the tree."The investigation considered it likely the relatively low lift-off speed… contributed to the pilot having insufficient aerodynamic control," the report pilot had more than 1,500 hours of experience in non-commercial flying and had regularly flown from Croft Farm, it added. He did not have underlying medical were unable to find any evidence of pre-accident faults with the plane and the weather had been good, with no low cloud. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Free city centre bike store to close
A cycling charity has said it is "gutted" by the closure of a bike store, intended to reduce bicycle thefts in Worcester city centre. Bike Worcester said the free facility in Friary Walk shopping centre - formerly Crowngate - has been used to securely store 28,000 bikes a year. The space, which has now been leased to a rent-paying customer, will close on Wednesday, four years after it opened. Dan Brothwell, from the charity, said it was "as good a place to lock our bikes as we've found anywhere in the world". Mr Brothwell paid tribute to the shopping centre's manager for making the facility available to cyclists for free. "Bike Worcester were approached by Mike Lloyd in the depths of Covid with an idea of making an unused commercial unit available as a place for people to store bikes," he said. "It would be under the watchful eyes of CCTV with the security team regularly checking in. It was a no-brainer." Mr Lloyd said the centre had been "incredibly proud" of the role it had played in "encouraging more sustainable travel", adding it "was the right thing to do during a difficult time for the city". "Now, as we celebrate a full return to occupancy at Friary Walk - a real milestone for the local economy - we must transition the unit back into retail use," he said. The store also included a repair station for people to carry out minor services of their bikes. Mr Brothwell said any bikes which were found unlocked would be secured, along with details on how to get it released - for which Mr Brothwell himself admitted to having been grateful on occasions when he had been distracted and forgotten to lock his own bike. "It is with a heavy heart we say farewell to the Friary Walk bike store," he said. "We've used it to store our bikes, fix our bikes, and help others fix their bikes. "It's been instrumental in growing Bike Worcester." Mr Lloyd said Friary Walk was "committed to supporting active travel" and was working to install external bike racks. He added that the stands and racks from the bike store were being donated to the city council for potential relocation. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. 'Beryl' bike share scheme rolled out across city Work to start on new purpose-built cycle track This is a £16m bridge to nowhere, say cyclists Bike Worcester Friary Walk
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Postbox topper marks Gavin & Stacey festival talk
A Gavin & Stacey postbox topper has appeared to mark an appearance by the stars of the show, James Corden and Ruth Jones, at the Hay Festival. The second day of the literary festival will see the pair talking about their book to be published later this year, on the backstage story behind the hit programme. Reet Prendergast knitted the topper to mark the occasion in the Powys market town, which borders Herefordshire and is famous for its book shops. Thousands of people are flocking there for more than 600 events over 11 days. Visitors attending the talk with Corden and Jones will hear about the origins of the award-winning show, its meteoric rise and all about the actors, including their friendship and working relationship. This month, Jones said the show was "definitely over" but hinted she and Corden could work together again in the future. She and Corden created and wrote the show, playing Nessa and Smithy, with the first series airing in 2007. The series officially ended with a grand finale Christmas Day episode last year and became one of the most watched scripted TV shows of the century. When Friday's talk was announced, Hay Festival chief executive Julie Finch promised fans "a joyful discussion about friendship, creativity and perseverance". When Gavin met Stacey and Everything in Between: A Story of Love and Friendship, is due out in October. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Billy Ocean and Stacey Dooley set for Hay Festival Hay Festival BBC events at Hay Festival
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Flat badly damaged as blaze rips through home
Firefighters have been tackling a serious blaze inside a flat. Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said five fire engines, including ones from Warwickshire, were sent to Oxhill Close, Redditch, just after 19:00 BST on Thursday and found a "well-developed" fire. More than 20 firefighters worked for about 90 minutes to put the blaze out - the fire service has not said if anyone was hurt. A spokesperson added that investigators were working to find out what caused the blaze. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service
