Pilot airlifted to hospital

The plane plunged 300 feet to the ground

The pilot of a Tiger Moth biplane escaped serious injury when he plunged 300 feet to the ground while flying at a charity air show in Berkshire.

The 55-year-old man was thrown clear of the wreckage as the plane crashed to the ground, watched by hundreds of spectators on Sunday.

He had been taking part in a show to raise money for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance service at White Waltham airfield near Maidenhead.

A crew from the service was on standby and flew him to Wexham Park Hospital in Slough where he was treated for minor injuries.

Heavy landing

Roger McKie, the chief executive of the airfield, said: "During one of the display manoeuvres, he lost height rapidly and took a very heavy landing.

"But he has not been badly hurt."

The show is an annual event for members of the West London Aero Club and this year raised about £3,000 for the air ambulance service.

Mr McKie added: "It's good to have the air ambulance around. You never know when you might need them."