A PILOT was forced to land his light aircraft in a remote area of the New Forest after the engine cut out yesterday morning.

The single seater Team Minimax aircraft was on its way to Poole from Farley when it lost power between Hale Purlieu and Godshill near Fordingbridge.

The pilot, who gave his name as Mr Shepherd from Romsey, made what he described as a “text book landing” on heather at Turf Hill.

He was not injured and the aircraft also did not sustain any damage during the incident.

Mr Shepherd said: “This could not be described as a ‘lucky escape’ but a safe and controlled touch down.”

Fire crews from Fordingbridge and Ringwood were sent to the scene as a precaution.

The aircraft’s wings were removed from the fuselage before firefighters carried the aircraft to Deadman’s Corner by the B3078 in the three sections.