A World War II-era plane crashed at Heritage Field Airport in Pennsylvania on Wednesday evening, trapping the pilot inside the overturned aircraft. Limerick Township police responded to the scene at approximately 7:17 p.m. and found the small aircraft upside down on the runway with the pilot, its only occupant, trapped inside.
Airport employees and police officers freed the pilot from his parachute and pulled him from the plane. According to Limerick Township Fire Chief Ken Shuler, no extrication by the fire department was necessary as the pilot was already being pulled out by the time they arrived. The pilot was conscious and able to stand, but had visible cuts.
He was treated at the scene by Freedom Valley Medical Rescue and then taken to Reading Trauma Center, where he was reportedly alert and talking after the crash. The cause of the crash is currently unknown, and police said that aviation authorities are investigating.
The single-engine plane had taken off from Pottstown and was headed to Quakertown, according to officials. It had been in the air for approximately nine minutes before crashing. The crash caused a fuel leak, and firefighters remained at the airport to address the spill and watch for a possible fire.
Heritage Field Airport, formerly known as Pottstown Municipal Airport, serves private and recreational aircraft. The airport was closed on Wednesday night while crews handled the fuel leak and removed the plane.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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