LUCKY ESCAPE: The Cherokee aircraft which burst a tyre on take-off.
A PILOT had a lucky escape last night after his light aircraft left the runway.
A front tyre on the privately-owned Cherokee aircraft burst on the runway at Newcastle Airport shortly after 7.30pm and the plane came to rest on the grass, but remained upright.
The pilot was seen by medical personnel, but did not need treatment.
The airport was shut for about 15 minutes as the incident unfolded and three aircraft were forced to wait before they could take off.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch was informed of the accident, but airport staff will carry out an internal investigation.
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