THE pilot of a microlight which crashed at 50mph when taking off in North Yorkshire is still in hospital after the accident.

The crash took place as the pilot, and a passenger, tried to take off from a grass runway at Baxby Air Sports Club, Husthwaite, near Easingwold, York.

As the pair sped across the turf just feet above the ground the plane hit a damp patch after the recent heavy rain slowing it down.

Unable to reach the required take-off speed the microlight careered into a hedge at the end of the runway and on into a wheat field.

The crash took place at 1.30pm yesterday injuring both men, who were experienced pilots, resulting in them been taken to York District Hospital.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance carried one to hospital and the other was carried by land ambulance.

The duo, who have not been named, were thought to be planning a short flight around the Easingwold and Thirsk area when the crash took place.

The pilot was still in hospital today in a stable and comfortable condition and the passenger was released from hospital.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been notified in case it wants to carry out an investigation.