Powerline warning to pilots

A wing of the glider severed an overhead power line

Amateur pilots are being warned to stay away from overhead powerlines after a man escaped injury when he crashed into electricity lines in County Londonderry.

The incident happened at Magilligan on Saturday, when the wing of a single seater glider hit and severed a high voltage overhead power line.

Up to 100 homes in the Limavady area were left without power for several hours following the incident.

On Tuesday, Northern Ireland Electricity safety officer Julie Cole said the pilot of the glider had a lucky escape.

"Luckily in this incident no-one was injured but this could easily have resulted in a fatality," she said.

"We would warn all parachutists, small aircraft and gliders to take the location of powerlines into account when planning their flying and landing routes.

"We will be writing to parachute and light aircraft clubs to remind them to act safely around electricity lines."