Aircraft forced to land on course

The Cessna 172 was towed away from the golf course

The pilot of a light aircraft has escaped unhurt after he was forced to make an emergency landing on a Fife golf course.

David Cation, who was alone in the four-seater Cessna 172, was able to land on the 17th fairway of Elmwood Golf Course, near Cupar.

He was en route from Glenrothes to Dundee when the plane suffered engine failure near Ladybank.

Mr Cation was able to bring the light aircraft down safely.

Text book landing

Course manager Andy Mellon said: "I understand that he radioed for assistance to the Fife RAF base at Leuchars. He saw the golf course and decided to take a chance and land it here.

"There are wheel marks up the fairway for some 100 metres. The aircraft came to rest on the edges of the green, but it appears to have been a text book landing. Damage to the course is minimal."

Golfers looked on in amazement as they watched the drama unfold as the craft came in to land on the course.

Several players ran over to make sure the pilot was alright, but he did not require any assistance.

The aircraft was later moved off the course by greenkeeping staff and golfers were able to continue playing.

It is believed that Mr Cation, who is an experienced pilot, is employed by an aerial photography company.

Mr Cation, whose private plane is based at Kirknewton, was flying to Dundee to have routine maintenance work on the aircraft.