A PILOT had a lucky escape after an engine failure caused him to crash in a North Yorkshire field.

Emergency services were called to the scene in Tockwith, near York, today when the light aircraft crashed to the ground, losing a wing in the process.

Sergeant Andy Graham of North Yorkshire Police's Knaresborough team, said the crash happened at about 10.30am, and praised the pilot's "great piloting skills", which meant there were no injuries.

"The engine cut out and due to the failure the pilot couldn't get it started again," he said.

"Thanks to his training he was able to select a suitable landing area - a field away from towns, villages and major roads, and land, losing a wing in a hedge in the process. I think the cows had a surprise."