The driver of the tractor is Ian Corfield, who is now a contractor, but back then was working as a harvest student on William Cumber’s farm.

Ian was ploughing the firebreak – as straw burning was still allowed in those days – when he got a little too close to the ditch.

Trying to pull the machine out increased the risk of it toppling in completely so some careful manoeuvring was required.

Apparently it all happened about 20-yards from the main road, so the neighbours got a good look at the scene.

Mr Cumber says that Ian is a local contractor and they still have a laugh about it now.

He adds that in these days of two meter margins, farming beside ditches has become a lot safer.

Our thanks to William Cumber of Abingdon, Oxford for sending in the shots.

If you've captured a hilarious act of machine wrecking on camera then send your snaps (plus your contact details) and a brief description of the situation) to fwmachinery@rbi.co.uk. Please remember to include a brief desciption of the situation so we can do your story justice.

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Ford goes belly up...
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