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The remains of the helicopter after the crash

THIS dramatic picture shows the wreckage of a helicopter which crash-landed just minutes after taking off from a hotel.

Miraculously, pilot Stefan Sikorski walked away almost unscathed from the mangled aircraft. Mr Sikorski, owner of the Bolholt Country Park Hotel in Tottington, bought the helicopter a week ago and had taken off from a field off Walshaw Road just before 2.50pm yesterday.

Just minutes after take-off, the helicopter plunged to the ground and burst into flames at the back of the Stable leisure club, which is in the grounds of the hotel.

Eyewitness Peter Buckby, who was at home gardening at the time of the crash, said: "It was flying quite low and flying backwards and forwards around the field for a few minutes.

"The next thing I heard was a very loud thud as the helicopter crashed. I ran over and it was on fire but the pilot looked unhurt."

Mr Sikorski had been flying the helicopter and landed for 10 minutes before taking off again.

According to eyewitnesses, he rose between 30ft and 40ft in the air before the crash. The aircraft landed on its side and Mr Sikorski scrambled free unhurt.

Fire crews were called to the scene and doused the flames. The North-west Air Ambulance was also called to assist.

The Air Accident Investigation Board has been informed.

10:44am Friday 16th May 2008

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