04/10/2013 00:00
TW
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By Humphrey Carter

PALMA
RESIDENTS in Sa Rapita watched in horror yesterday morning as an ultra glider ditched into the sea just 50 metres from the rocks with two pilots on board.

The accident happened just after 9.30am and a small flotilla of local fishing boats rushed to the aircraft's aid with fishermen fearing the worst.
However, as they neared the rapidly sinking ultra glider, the two men on board surfaced and started swimming for shore.
According to the pilot of the Drifter ARV 582 model ultra glider, they experienced a mechanical problem as they were flying along the coast and, in attempt to minimalise damage to the aircraft, he dropped down to sea level and then aqua planed the ultra glider for as long as possible before ditching her into the water.

According to eye witnesses the aircraft violently bounced along the surface of the