A classic biplane which crashed-landed at Crosland Heath Golf Club has been revealed as a rare aircraft painstakingly restored by its owner.

The Tiger Cub G-MMIH – dubbed The Red Baron – dates back to the 1980s and may be the only one of its kind still flying in the UK.

It was restored by pilot Andy Carter and made its first flight in three decades last year.

The single-seater double-winged aircraft came down on the 16th fairway at Crosland Health Golf course on Sunday afternoon shortly after take off from the nearby Crosland Moor Airfield.

Witnesses said the engine sounded “really erratic” before it came to grief. It was said the pilot veered away from golfers to crash down on a clear fairway.

The pilot was able to walk away from the crash unaided but is believed to have suffered back injuries.

WATCH the plane being towed away below

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Golfers and others manhandled the stricken aircraft off the golf course and onto the roadside.

An investigation into the cause of the crash is to be carried out by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB).

A spokesman said the investigation would be “investigation by correspondence” and no officials would be sent out.

The spokesman said correspondence and e-mail investigations were often carried out when there were no serious injuries or damage to property.

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The AAIB carries out up to 300 investigations a year, up to 250 of them via correspondence.

It is thought the inquiry could take around two months.

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Mr Carter, a member at the airfield, posted pictures and information on the website www.modelflying.co.uk when the aircraft made its first flight last October.

He wrote: “After a few months building, renovating and testing Tiger Cub G-MMIH made it’s first flight in 30 years.

“It handles very well in the air and has very nice manners on the ground too. Visibility is great and handling predictable.

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“The Fuji Robin 440 engines delivers plenty of power and average climb rates were about 750ft per minute.

“The most comfortable cruise engine setting, round 4,800 RPM, gives a cruise speed of about 50 knots. Perfect.”

The plane was a regular sight for golfers who nicknamed it The Red Baron after German First World War fighter pilot Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen.

It is 12 months since a four-seater plane, flown by 82-year-old Malcolm Hill, crashed at the airfield. He was unhurt but three passengers suffered minor injuries.

A spokesman for the airfield said he was unable to comment on the latest incident due to the AAIB investigation.