Microlight crash passenger has suspected broken back

A microlight plane crashed during take off late this morning, injuring both pilot and passenger at the Waikato Microlight Club. Photo / Christine Cornege

A passenger has been taken to hospital with a suspected broken back after a microlight crash south west of Hamilton shortly before midday today.

The pilot was believed to have escaped with slight injuries after the plane crashed shortly after take off from the Waikato Microlight Club.

The club's chief flying officer, Jan Reekers, said he watched the microlight get airborne but then crash to the ground almost straight away.

He rushed to the scene and the pilot got out of the aircraft complaining of a sore back. The injured passenger was still in the cockpit.

"He just couldn't feel his legs so we just kept him calm and switched off the fuel and electronics," Mr Reekers said.

"I rang 111 and we started to dismantle the plane to get it ready for getting him out."

The Fire Service was at the scene within minutes and helped get out the passenger before he and the pilot were taken to Waikato Hospital.

- NZPA