Plane crash at Northam airport
A pilot has escaped injury after the plane she was training in left the runway and hit a hangar at Northam airfield.
The 27-year-old pilot had been practising a touch-and-go landing about 10.30am when she lost control of her propeller-driven Mooney M20 aircraft.
The plane left the runway and became wedged between two hangars.
The pilot was able to walk away unscathed and has been taken to Northam Hospital as a precaution.
Nearby hangars had to be evacuated because the aircraft was leaking fuel. A police road block remains in place around the airfield.
Northam Aero Club president Errol Croft said he was told by witnesses that something went wrong during the pilot's touch-and-go manoeuvre.
"She is a very, very lucky person (not to be injured)," Mr Croft said.
A touch-and-go landing or "circuit" involves the pilot landing on a runway and taking off again without coming to a full stop. The pilot will then usually circle the airfield before repeating the manoeuvre.
"Unfortunately something has gone wrong during her touch-and-go and the aircraft has hit the hangar," Mr Croft said.
The plane wedged between the hangars. Picture: Alex Massey/The West Australian
"The most important thing is that no one has been seriously injured."
It is understood the pilot had been training with the Jandakot-based Royal Aero Club of WA.
The club did not wish to comment when contacted by The West Australian.
