'I thought I was going to die': Telford man in microlight crash awarded £100,000
A Telford man who thought he going to die when a microlight he was a passenger in "nosedived" 200 feet to the ground has won almost £100,000 compensation for the serious injuries he suffered.
Michael Foreman, from Telford, had been invited by his friend Graham Williams to take a flight with him at the Wrekin Microlight Flying Club, based at Shifnal Airport, before disaster struck on July 5, 2016.
The 55-year-old suffered multiple injuries including lacerations to his head, a neck injury, and fractures to his breast bone and a vertebra in his back following the crash at Shifnal Airfield in July 2016.
Judge Peter Marquand told the High Court: "Four circuits of the airfield took place uneventfully, but on the fifth circuit, shortly after take-off, there was apparently a problem with the engine.
"From a height of about 200 feet, the aircraft started to drift and then plunged near vertically to the ground.
"The aircraft caught fire and fortunately both Mr Foreman and Mr Williams survived, albeit with significant injuries."
In court, Mr Foreman described the microlight "nosediving" and said he "thought he was dead".
After recovering consciousness on the ground, he was trapped in the aircraft while it was on fire.
The judge said: "He thought he would burn to death, but was rescued by a pilot who had seen the accident, as was Mr Williams."
Mr Foreman was in hospital for two weeks and his wounds were complicated by infection, the court in London heard.
He needed at least two operations on his feet and metal wires had to be inserted into his shattered big toe.
Giving his ruling in the case, Judge Marquand said Mr Foreman was an honest witness who had done his best to get back to work after the accident.
But he is now "very tired" after a normal day's work and his wife has to rub cream into his sore feet when he gets home.
His injuries have hit his confidence, he finds life more challenging, "and he feels like an older person", the judge added.
Mr Williams did not put in a defence to the claim and judgment was entered against him in February this year, the court heard.
The judge said the microlight pilot "has not taken part in these proceedings in any meaningful way".
Mr Foreman was awarded £42,500 for his "pain, suffering and loss of amenity" and other sums to compensate him for care and travel costs and lost earnings.
His total payout came to £99,449 and Mr Williams was ordered to pay the legal costs of the case.
