A PILOT was today cut free from the wreckage of a microlight aircraft after it crashed near a North Yorkshire air field.

The pilot, a 36 year old man who has not been named, was taken by ambulance to York District Hospital after being freed by fire crews.

Ambulance crews treated the man for spinal and chest injuries, before taking him to York District Hospital.

It is believed the aircraft fell 40 feet after striking power lines close to the air field.

Fire crews from York, Acomb and Tadcaster attended the incident, after receiving a 999 call at 4.08pm.

Updated: 17:13 Tuesday, July 03, 2001