A FORMER Worcester Warriors star who piloted a helicopter after its engine failed has spoken of the "terrifying" seconds before crash landing in a field near Upton Snodsbury.

Jim Jenner and his girlfriend Laurie Nichol, aged 31, had been travelling in an Robinson R2 helicopter near Naunton Road in Naunton Beauchamp, at about 1.54pm on Wednesday, August 1.

They were flying at 1200ft when the engine failed and they crashed landed, rolling at least twice on impact.

The 46-year-old of St John’s said: "It was terrifying - my heart was in my lap the moment that it happened.

"We instantly knew it was bad, and would be forced to do an emergency landing, with no power.

"From engine failure to land we had approximately 10 seconds - good job my time at the Warriors taught me to function well under pressure. There was a lot of pressure and things to do during those 10 seconds.

"I think it was the scariest thing I have ever had to do.

"So I was stunned and shocked but I acted quickly. Then, when we landed, I was elated but then terrified about Laurie. It was a wonderful moment when she spoke.

"I am told 70 per cent of cases of R22 crashes result in death. We are incredibly lucky."

He continued: "Everyone was surprised when they arrived at the scene that we were ok. The air ambulance pilot shook my hand and said I did a great job, which meant a lot to me.

The margin for error was high and he said I had less than a second to put into place measures to save our lives.”

He added: "I’ve been flying now for over three years and as part of my training regularly practise engine failure landings. But never did I dream that I would have to do one."

Following the crash, Mr Jenner escaped unharmed and was discharged at the scene.

Miss Nichol was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital with back and stomach pains before being discharged about three hours later.

Despite their ordeal, the couple went out in a different helicopter the following day to ‘get back on the horse’, according to Mr Jenner.

Mr Jenner, who is a property entrepreneur and chief executive officer of Blockworks Group Ltd was on his way to visit a prospective site when the crash happened.

The pair praised the emergency services, including the Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Mr Jenner said: "We both would like to thank the whole emergency services for how they responded to our very unusual call that day. They were calm, kind and professional with us both. It makes me even more proud to live in Worcester."

Mr Jenner, who has been a pilot for three years, played for Worcester for five seasons finishing in 2003.

To donate to the air ambulance charity that helped Mr Jenner visit theairambulanceservice.org.uk, or to make a contribution to the Midlands Air Ambulance, which serves Worcestershire, visit midlandsairambulance.com.