Sydney, Aug 4 (DPA) An Australian pilot who forgot to put chocks under the wheels of his aircraft when he cranked its propeller saw it take off without him.

The embarrassing, and expensive, accident took place Tuesday in the Outback opal mining town of Coober Pedy.

Unable to start the Cessna from the cockpit, he spun the propeller by hand but was not quick enough clambering aboard.

The plane flew for 300 metres before smashing into pieces when it crash landed.