A HISTORIC Tiger Moth biplane was forced to make an emergency landing in a field when it got into difficulties after taking off from High Wycombe.

A HISTORIC Tiger Moth biplane was forced to make an emergency landing in a field when it got into difficulties after taking off from High Wycombe.

The pilot, who had started out on Sunday from Wycombe Air Park, Clay Lane, Booker, was forced to bring the aircraft down in a field near Henley. It is believed the pre-war open-cockpit biplane, which was carrying one passenger, had suffered engine problems and the pilot chose to land in the nearest open area.

Capt Tim Orchard, managing director of Wycombe Air Park, said: 'An investigation has to be conducted by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB). He is a very experienced pilot, who took a very sensible decision.'

AAIB spokesman David Stewart said that since there were no injuries they would be talking directly to the pilot.

Mr Stewart said: 'We will be investigating the incident and we will publish a report in due course.'

The two people on board were not injured. The aircraft was not damaged, and the wings were removed so that it could be returned to Booker by road.