AN RAF training aircraft had to make a forced landing after an engine problem developed during a routine flight.

The Tucano, based at RAF Linton-on-0use, was flying to the east of York at about 4pm today when a warning light appeared on a central panel.

The light indicated an engine problem and the pilot promptly shut the engine down.

The aircraft then glided to the nearest airfield, at Rufforth, and made a forced landing.

With the angle of descent deeper than usual the tyres on the landing gear burst on impact and the pilot steered the aircraft onto a grass overshoot area where it safely came to a halt.

The two crew - - believed to be an instructor and his student - were unhurt in the incident.