Off-duty officer among 2 hurt in Fluehr Park plane crash in Northeast Philly
Audio captures moments before plane crash in Northeast Philly
Two people were hurt when a small plane crashed in Fluehr Park on Wednesday after an emergency landing attempt, according to Philadelphia officials. One of those injured is an off-duty police officer who was on board.
PHILADELPHIA - A small plane crash occurred in Northeast Philadelphia Wednesday afternoon.
Emergency landing in a field near Fluehr Park
Small plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia
Medics and other first responders are at the scene of a small plane crash that occurred in Northeast Philly Wednesday afternoon.
What we know:
The crash happened in Fluehr Park, just before 4:00 p.m. in the area of Grant and Torresdale Avenues.
The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management said the plane made an emergency landing in a field near Fluehr Park.
Philadelphia Police confirmed that an off-duty officer was one of the two people on the plane.
Both people on board were taken to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital and are in stable condition, talking and alert, according to Philadelphia Fire Department Deputy Commissioner Joshua McGuoirk.
People were asked to avoid Fluehr Park Wednesday afternoon by the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management.
Debris and a small leak were found at the scene, but there was no fire.
What they're saying:
Communications between the pilot and air traffic control show the urgency before the crash.
The pilot said, "Uh, we need to land now," and was told to turn left for a runway.
Moments later, witnesses saw the plane land in an open field next to the highway.
Bystanders described the immediate aftermath. "I just got my bicycle, came right over here and the passenger was sitting on the curb, he was fine. And they were trying to extricate the pilot," said Professor Stephen Sergi, a bystander.
"As it was taxing through, it appears the wing clipped the tree, which spun around and had the crash," said McGuoirk.
"Unfortunately, a Piper Pilot 100i training aircraft experienced an engine power loss over the Delaware River this afternoon," said Alex Souponetsky, general manager at Fly Legacy Aviation, in a statement to FOX 29.
"We are so grateful both individuals are safe and stable as they receive treatment at a local hospital," said Souponetsky.
"I just hope that you guys know that God gave you another chance of life, and you guys know whatever was going on, I’m just glad you’re OK," said Rob Peterson of Bristol. Zach Lane, a student at Holy Family University, saw the aftermath.
"It’s just kind of strange happening so close to us, especially after last year what happened," said Lane. He still plans to attend flight school, saying, "Absolutely, it’s still super safe."
First responders arrived within minutes, according to witnesses. "I was amazed at the response, the first responders were here like in two minutes," said Sergi. "It’s a miracle, it’s a miracle," he added.
Councilmember Mike Driscoll issued the following statement regarding the plane crash:
"We appreciate the fast response from our firefighters, police officers, EMS workers, and all first responders who acted quickly to secure the scene in Fluehr Park this afternoon. While we await confirmation on the severity of the injuries, we are keeping the two individuals and their loved ones in our thoughts. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery. Our office is in touch with emergency personnel and will keep an eye on the situation as we receive more information. We are thinking of everyone involved and value the professionalism of the crews on the ground."
Philadelphia City Council Majority Leader Katherine Gilmore Richardson released the following statement on the plane crash:
"My thoughts are with those injured and everyone in the Torresdale community affected by the plane crash in Fluehr Park earlier today. While I am grateful the situation was not more severe, it is still a deeply frightening and traumatic experience, and I am wishing a full and speedy recovery to those who were impacted. Thank you to the first responders who worked quickly and professionally to manage the incident. I also want to recognize my colleague, Councilmember Mike Driscoll, for his steady leadership and support for the families and community during this difficult time. If there is anything further my office can do, we stand ready to help."
Dig deeper:
The plane, a Piper PA-28 with registration number N494LA, took off in Northeast Philadelphia around 3:00 p.m. and crashed south of Northeast Philadelphia Airport around 3:30 p.m., according to the FAA and Flight Aware.
Fly Legacy Aviation, a local flight school, confirmed the plane was being used for training and said the instructor and student pilot were able to land the plane without causing injuries to others.
"Fly legacy," the flight school that owns the plane, said it was an "engine power loss" and that the cause is under investigation.
"The information we have is very limited, but as a flight school who trains commercial pilots, we take our responsibilities very, very seriously and the cause of the engine power loss is under intense investigation at this time. I am relieved to report that the instructor and student pilot aboard the plane were able to complete an emergency landing in a nearby park," said the general manager.
The plane struck a tree during the landing.
The FAA is investigating and the NTSB will arrive Thursday, according to the fire department deputy commissioner.
What we don't know:
The exact cause of the engine power loss and the full details of what happened between takeoff and the crash are still under investigation.
The names of those on board have not been released.
The Source: The Source: Information from the FAA, Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, Fly Legacy Aviation, and SKYFOX.