A COUPLE walked away unhurt after their microlight aircraft ran out of fuel and flipped on its back during an emergency landing.

Phil Bell and his wife, both aged 51, from St Helens Road, Leigh, tried to land at Barton Airport but instead ended up in nearby fields - upside down.

The drama began just before 9pm on Saturday as Mr and Mrs Bell battled against strong winds and the plane eventually ran out of fuel.

As they landed, the wheels dug in the ground and the plane toppled over.

There was minor damage to the aircraft, which was dismantled and removed to the nearby airport. A police spokesman said the microlight will be examined by the Aviation Investigation Bureau.

He added: "The couple have been very lucky to escape unscathed."

Paramedics and fire crews attended but Mr and Mrs Bell declined hospital treatment.

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