Small Plane Crashes in Lancaster County
Small Plane Crashes in Lancaster County : Authorities are investigating a small plane crash that occurred near a retirement community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Officials confirmed that all five passengers on board sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals. Fortunately, no one on the ground was harmed.
The crash happened shortly after the aircraft took off from Lancaster Airport. Witnesses reported seeing thick black smoke and flames erupting from the site, creating a chaotic scene.
Firefighters quickly responded to the blaze, bringing it under control. “There was a significant fire when the plane went down, but crews managed to contain it,” said Manheim Township Fire Chief Scott Little.
As a precaution, Brethren Retirement Village, located near the crash site, issued a temporary shelter-in-place order. Despite the close proximity, the plane did not strike any buildings. However, the crash destroyed 12 vehicles.
“The fortunate thing is that there were no injuries on the ground and no structural damage to nearby properties,” stated Manheim Township Police Chief Duane Fisher.
According to officials, the aircraft skidded nearly 100 feet after impact.
Shortly before the crash, the pilot contacted air traffic control, requesting permission to return to the airport due to an issue with an open door. Controllers advised the pilot to stop the aircraft, but within seconds, the plane went down.
Authorities are now awaiting further guidance from federal agencies. Investigators acknowledge that the situation could have been much worse.
The National Transportation of Safety Board (NTSB) and the (FAA) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
Three of the injured passengers were transported to Lehigh Valley Health Network Burn Center, while two others are receiving treatment at Lancaster General Hospital.