Two people were seriously injured in Muncie, Indiana, after a small private plane crashed into a walking path near the Delaware County Regional Airport. The incident occurred just before 10:30 a.m. when a single-engine Piper aircraft fell out of the sky while en route to the Muncie airport. It is unclear whether the pedestrians were struck by the falling plane or by debris as the plane crashed into the treeline surrounding the walking path. The pilot, who was the only person on board the plane, was also seriously injured and had to be cut free from the wreckage by first responders.
According to Chief Deputy Jeff Stanley, the pilot was not local to Muncie and there was no call for an emergency landing. The pilot attempted to land but passed on the first try, resulting in the crash during the second attempt. Both the pilot and one of the walkers were transported to an Indianapolis hospital for additional treatment. Airport officials mentioned that the National Transportation Safety Board and FAA are currently investigating the incident to determine the cause of the crash. This crash marks the first serious injury incident at the Muncie airport in over 20 years.
During a press conference, Delaware County Sheriff Tony Skinner expressed his sympathy for the victims, calling the incident “a bad day” as individuals out for a walk ended up being struck by a plane. The Sheriff’s Department stated that the pilot and one of the pedestrians were seriously injured and had to be rushed to the hospital for medical treatment. The Delaware County Regional Airport spokesperson, Tim Baty, confirmed that the pilot was the only person on board the aircraft and was trapped in the wreckage until first responders were able to cut them free.
The incident has raised concerns about safety near airports, as pedestrians using nearby walking paths might be vulnerable to such accidents. The community has been urged to exercise caution in areas close to airports to minimize the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future. As the investigation into the crash continues, authorities are working to determine the root cause of the accident in order to prevent such tragedies from happening again. Sheriff Skinner emphasized the need for prayers and support for all those involved in the incident, highlighting the unfortunate nature of the situation for everyone affected.
The Muncie airport officials reported that the crash on Monday was the first serious injury incident at the airport in over two decades, indicating that such events are rare but can have significant consequences. The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA’s involvement in the investigation is crucial to understanding the circumstances that led to the crash and implementing measures to enhance safety procedures. The community’s response to the incident has been one of concern and support for those affected, underscoring the importance of prioritizing safety in aviation and related activities. As efforts continue to determine the cause of the crash, steps will be taken to prevent similar accidents and ensure the well-being of individuals in the vicinity of airports.
