A MECHANICAL failure is believed to be the cause of a light aircraft crash in East Lancashire earlier this year.

An inquiry was launched after a microlight came down in a field in Chapel Lane, Hoghton, on June 18.

The pilot, a 74-year-old man, suffered minor injuries after the craft came down, just before 2.30pm.

An Air Accident Investigation Branch spokesman, after conducting a documentary review, said: "Following an engine failure the forced landing required a change of field at a late stage due to power lines ahead.

"The nose landing gear detached during the landing. A cylinder-head gasket failure identified subsequently, which probably allowed coolant into at least one cylinder."

Resident Mike Graham, who spotted the plane while out walking at the time, had initially feared the worst.

He said: "It's not the kind of thing you expect to see when you’re out walking. It’s normally nice and quiet around here. I'm glad the pilot is okay. When I saw it I thought I was going to find a dead body but thankfully that wasn't the case."