THE pilot of a two-seater aeroplane which crashed into a hedge at Breighton Airfield, near Selby, may have become distracted, says an investigation report.

The incident happened on Sunday April 30 at about 3pm as the Jodel D112 single-engine light aircraft was coming into land, says the latest bulletin from Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

An accident report submitted to the AAIB by the 47-year-old pilot said the aircraft had completed a cross country flight from an aerodrome in Northamptonshire.

The weather conditions at Breighton were fine with good visibility.

The private pilot - who was experienced with 522 hours of flying under his belt - was carrying out an approach to runway 11 when the aircraft stalled about 200 metres from the end of the runway.

The aircraft's left wing dropped before crashing into a hedge, says the report.

The pilot and his passenger, who were both wearing lap and diagonal shoulder straps, escaped injury and were able to climb out of the aircraft through the normal hatches.

The propeller, left wing and right undercarriage were all damaged in the crash.

The AAIB bulletin concludes: "The pilot usually flew the aircraft solo. He reported afterwards that he may have become distracted and should have monitored the air speed more closely."

AN AAIB spokesman said: "It was a relatively minor incident and it is now a closed book."

Breighton Airport manager Brian Brown said the pilot had taken his aeroplane away to be repaired and had not yet returned.

He said: "They were both suffering from shock, and I would say they were quite lucky to escape uninjured."