A WINGWALKER who crashed into the sea while still strapped to a plane has revealed she “can’t wait to get back up on the wing”.

Kirsten Pobjoy, 23, miraculously survived Saturday’s crash, off the Dorset coast, with only minor injuries due to pilot Dave Barrell’s “incredible skill and quick thinking”.

Self-confessed adrenaline junkie Kirsten, of Stroud, Gloucs, and Dave, of Cirencester, Gloucs, were part of a display at Bournemouth Air Festival when they crashed in Poole.

Kirsten wrote in an Instagram post: “If you are not aware, myself and my pilot Dave were involved in an incident on Saturday. 

“Due to Dave’s incredible skill and quick thinking we only sustained minor injuries and are recovering well. 

“I’m so grateful for everyone involved in our rescue, including the family that helped us out of the water, RNLI, Poole Harbour staff, Ambulance, Police, Fire, Coastguard and members of the public who were assisting.

“I can’t ever express how grateful I am to you Dave @thebarrells, you are one of the strongest, bravest and most inspirational people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Thank you for everything.

“Extending huge love to my team members @emmawingwalker, @andycubin and thanks to @james_noble96 and diana @thebarrells for looking after us all in the aftermath. 

“You guys have saved my sanity and I owe you all a massive thank you for being terrific examples of humans, I’m so pleased to have such a fab group of people in my life."

'FLYING IS MY TRUE LOVE'

She added: “I can’t wait to get back up on the wing as soon as I am able to do so. Flying is my true love in life. 

“I feel so blessed to continue to be able to live my dream and I’m excited for what the future will hold.

“I appreciate the lovely messages from every single person that has reached out. Thank you so much.”

Kirsten is one of only two full time wingwalkers in the world and joined circus school at age 14. 

The Aerosuperbatics plane was recovered from Poole harbour on Sunday evening.

In a statement the company, based in Rendcomb, Gloucestershire, said: “On Saturday 4th September 2021 one of our aircraft suffered technical difficulties during an air display at Bournemouth Air Festival.

“Unfortunately, the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude and despite very difficult circumstances, a successful ditching was carried out into Poole Harbour.

“Both pilot (David Barrell) and wingwalker (Kirsten Pobjoy) sustained minor injuries, received medical treatment in Poole Hospital and were released shortly thereafter.

“We are conducting our own thorough investigation and currently liaising with the Civil Aviation Authority and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

“We would like to extend our thanks to the RNLI, Coastguard, South-West Ambulance, Dorset Police, Poole Harbour Commissioners and all those who took part in the rescue.

“We are also grateful to have received many dozens of messages from well-wishers and are placing the well-being of all of our staff as our top priority.”

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