I was told a great story at my flying club this weekend. It seems a local pilot was taking a night rating lesson over Colchster (UK) when his Cessna's engine failed. The instructor immediately took control and started desperately searching for landing areas as the height slipped away. The only place that was lit and long enough was a large car park at the local garrison and even though it was only about 300 yards long the instructor managed to put the plane down and stand on the brakes hard enough to stop it. His relief that the plane stopped safely was matched only by his suprise at the number of rifles suddenly pointing at him and his student. They explained the situation and the smallest pilot at the flying club was driven up there to fly it out on a spoonful of fuel. Funnily enough nothing appeared in the paper - didn't want to give anyone any ideas I guess! Wonder if they had to pay for parking?

Hmm, I wonder

Ozzy

Guess I'm just too trusting!!
I found an article in an on-line Colchester news archive. Seems most of the facts are right except for the rifles. Turns out the MoD gave permission for the area to be floodlit and used as an emergency landing strip.
Still interesting but far less amusing! 

If you want the details its here:

http://www.thisisessex.co.uk/essex/archive/2003/02/21/news50.D_21_02_2003_rn_14_...