Family Grateful For Pilot's Safety, Despite Loss Of Home

An Australian pilot who was narrowly rescued from the burning wreckage of his downed airplane last week has thanked the man who pulled him to safety.

John Haire was flying his Cessna 182 on August 8 near the town of Darra when the plane experienced an engine failure, and clipped a powerline as Haire was looking for a safe place to put the plane down. That caused the aircraft to crash into the roof of Brett McDonald's home, where he was at home with his wife and 12-year-old daughter.

The burning plane wound up in the backyard... and that is where McDonald rushed to, in an attempt to rescue the pilot.

Well, he did just that... telling an injured Haire he "was going to be okay, mate" as he pulled him to safety.

Although the pilot suffered burns to his arms, legs, and respiratory system, as well as cuts and bruises... Haire was able to tell McDonald Sunday that, yes, he is okay... which comes as a relief to the now-homeless McDonald family.

In fact... Brett McDonald told Herald Sun newspaper that Haire's safety is the most important thing... and now that the family has seen him, they can "start getting on with things."

FMI: www.casa.gov.au