aA MICROLIGHT pilot crashed when his engine failed just after taking off from an airstrip near York.

Instructor John Teasdale was today being treated for suspected back injuries at York District Hospital following the accident at a Microlight Centre at Rufforth airfield.

A hospital spokesman said Mr Teasdale, of Rufforth, was in a "satisfactory" condition and it is understood his injuries are not life-threatening.

The accident happened yesterday afternoon when Mr Teasdale's engine failed after he had reached a height of 100 feet, forcing him to crash land.

Police said they were called to the scene after 4.24 and found Mr Teasdale conscious but injured and on the ground.

An investigation has now been launched by the British Microlight Aircraft Association.

Ray Wilkinson, of the association, said: "The Air Accident Investigation branch of the Ministry of Transport has handed the investigation over to the Microlight Association.

"Unfortunately incidents like this happen from time to time, with all aircraft.

"In this case the engine failed just after take-off. In that situation you've got to try to get the nose down to pick up some speed to attain lift.

"But in this situation 100 feet is not a lot of room to play with. The pilot was extremely lucky and almost managed to land the aircraft. Our aircraft are built to crumple and to absorb the impact."

A colleague said he understood Mr Wilkinson's injuries were not severe or life-threatening.

The aircraft Mr Teasdale was using is owned by a Hartlepool man called Anthony Maxwell, who was not available for comment today.