Five people were injured in a plane crash in Lancaster County on Sunday. Officials said the small plane crashed in the parking lot of Brethren Village retirement community in Manheim Township, less than a mile from the Lancaster Airport. All five on board suffered injuries and were taken to local hospitals. Their condition has not been reported. No one on the ground was injured.
The single-engine, six-seat 1981 Beechcraft Bonanza A36TC departed Lancaster Airport around 3:00 p.m., headed for Springfield Beckley Municipal Airport in Ohio. In recordings with air traffic control, the pilot requested to return to the airport and land due to an open door on the aircraft. He also stated he could not hear the air traffic controller due to wind noise inside the plane.
The controller was heard clearing a runway for the plane, followed by instructions to “pull up” about 13 seconds later. Less than a minute later, he reported to rescue services that the plane had crashed.
Manheim Township Police said an initial assessment appears that the plane landed and skidded approximately 100 feet after touching down. It hit several vehicles in the parking lot and burst into flame. No buildings were damaged. Police and first responders arrived on scene within minutes, and firefighters quickly doused the flames.
Officials have not stated whether the open door contributed to the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident.
Samuel Anyan Attorney At Law can help you seek justice after a plane crash. Call 833-372-6946 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients in Montgomery County, Bucks County, Delaware County, Chester County, Dauphin County, Berks County, Lehigh County, and Northampton County.