ARFF Daily News
Published on:
Monday the 21st of April, 2025
Plane flips over after landing at Lehigh Valley International Airport, FAA investigating
A Piper PA-22 flipped over after landing at Lehigh Valley International Airport Friday morning, according to the FAA.
Author: Maggie Zaleski
LEHIGH COUNTY, Pa. — Emergency crews responded to an incident involving a small airplane at the Lehigh Valley International Airport near Allentown Friday morning.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a Piper PA-22 flipped over after landing around 10:30 a.m.
Authorities say the pilot was the only person on board. There is no word yet on their condition.
The FAA is investigating the incident in Lehigh County.
UPDATE: Names released in fatal Trilla plane crash
by: Ethan Holesha, Molly Sweeney
TRILLA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois State Police has released the identities of the four individuals who were aboard the plane that crashed between Coles and Cumberland counties on Saturday.
The Coles County Coroner confirmed the identities with the State Police. This includes 46-year-old Ross Nelson, 45-year-old Raimi Rundle, 36-year-old Courtney Morrow, and 48-year-old Michael Morrow. All four were from Menomonie, Wisconsin.
The aircraft was removed from the roadway around 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are still investigating the cause of the crash. The NTSB said that a preliminary report will be available within 30 days.
The Illinois State Police thanked the first responders who assisted at the scene, which included the Coles County Sheriff’s Department, Mattoon Police Department, Mattoon Fire Department and the Lincolnwood Fire Department.
Update: 4/20/25 12:00 p.m.
TRILLA, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois State Police have shared more information regarding the fatal plane crash that occurred between Coles and Cumberland Counties on Saturday.
State Police said that all four occupants were from Menomonie, Wisconsin and were pronounced dead on scene. As of Sunday afternoon, the aircraft is still on the road, and the roadway remains shut down.
State Police said the roadway would likely reopen later in the day on Sunday. They added that this is an active and ongoing investigation. No further information is available at this time.
Update: 2:50 p.m.
TRILLA, Ill. (WCIA) — A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator will be on the scene of the Trilla plane crash tomorrow.
According to NTSB, the investigator is currently en route and is expected to arrive on scene on Sunday. Once at the scene, the investigator will begin the process of documenting the scene and examining the aircraft.
The plane will then be recovered to a secure facility for further evaluation.
Investigators will gather the following information as a part of the process:
- Flight track data
- Recordings of any air traffic control communications
- Aircraft maintenance records
- Weather forecasts and actual weather and lighting conditions close to the time of the accident
- Pilot’s license, ratings and recency of flight experience
- 72-hour background of the pilot to determine if there were any issues that could have affected their ability to safely operate the aircraft
- Witness statements
- Electronic devices that could have information relevant to the investigation
- Any available surveillance video
There is no further information at this time.
This is a developing story. WCIA will continue to update as new information is received.
UPDATE at 12:25 p.m.
TRILLA, Ill. (WCIA) — Four people were on board a plane that crashed in Trilla, and Illinois State Police is currently conducting a “fatal aircraft investigation.”
According to State Police, ISP Troop 7 responded to 551-587 County Road 1400 N in Trilla between Coles and Cumberland Counties at approximately 10:15 a.m. for the report of a small single engine plane crash. The location is three miles south of Mattoon and just southwest of Coles County Memorial Airport.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), four people were on board the Cessna C180G plane that crashed in a field just southwest of the airport. Additionally, State Police said that this is an active and ongoing “fatal aircraft investigation.”
State Police also said that the aircraft is currently in the roadway and that the roadway is completely shut down. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are also currently investigating the situation.
There is no further information at this time.
This is a developing story. WCIA will continue to update as new information is received.
TRILLA, Ill. (WCIA) — Multiple agencies are on scene after a single engine plane crashed in Cumberland County Saturday morning.
A Coles County EMA employee confirmed with WCIA that a single engine plane clipped power lines in Coles County near Trilla Road and crashed in a field on the Cumberland County side of the road.
There are no details on potential injuries at this time. Illinois State Police, the Mattoon Fire Department and the Coles County Sheriff’s Department are all currently on scene. The Federal Aviation Association is also currently en route to the scene.
There is no further information at this time.
https://www.wcia.com/news/agencies-on-scene-at-single-engine-plane-crash-in-cumberland-co/
Pilot injured in north Phoenix plane crash near Deer Valley Airport
By Tom Kuebel
PHOENIX - One person was injured in a plane crash near Deer Valley Airport around 11:00 a.m. on April 19.
Fire officials found a plane crashed into a carport near a building close to the intersection of Central Avenue and Deer Valley Road in north Phoenix.
The pilot suffered minor injuries and walked away from the scene on their own.
What they're saying:
The FAA said in a statement the pilot reported an engine issue shortly before the crash.
The plane crash did not impact operations at the airport.
The Source
The FAA and Phoenix Fire Department provided information for this story.
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/pilot-injured-north-phoenix-plane-crash-near-deer-valley-airport
Plane makes emergency landing behind Covington, TN homes
Courtney Anderson
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A plane reportedly made an emergency landing in Covington, Tennessee, on Saturday.
According to the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office, a small plane made an emergency landing in a field behind homes. Deputies, the Covington Fire Department, and emergency services responded.
The sheriff’s office says the pilot was located and is okay.
Sheriff Shannon Beasley released a statement on the incident.
We are thankful the pilot was able to safely land the plane and that he is doing fine. We have been in contact with the FAA and our investigation continues. We also want to thank the Covington Fire Department, EMS and the citizens that responded and aided in locating the aircraft and ensured the well-being of the pilot.
The FAA is reportedly investigating the incident.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/plane-makes-emergency-landing-behind-020824863.html
Morganton pilot injured in Alexander County plane crash. FAA investigating
A Morganton pilot and his passenger were injured in a plane crash in Alexander County on Friday.
The aircraft, a 1947 Pietenpol single-engine plane, was trying to land at a private field near 5585 Rink Dam Road when it crashed at about 12:50 p.m., according to information from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The pilot, Gregory Alan Deal, 74, of Morganton, and a passenger were taken to an area hospital with minor injuries.
The N.C. Highway Patrol secured the scene, and the Federal Aviation Administration will conduct an investigation.
https://morganton.com/news/local/article_5f169bca-e6aa-5b53-ae12-f073030f1b43.amp.html
Wharton County plane crash near El Campo at FM 441, FM 3086
By Barbi Barbee
EL CAMPO, Texas - No injuries were reported after a small plane crashed south of El Campo in Wharton County on Friday, officials confirmed.
What we know:
The Wharton County Sheriff’s Office confirms that a plane crashed near FM 441 and FM 3086 on Friday morning.
The sheriff’s office says there have been no reports of injuries.
SkyFOX aerials showed a small plane down in a field.
According to the FAA, the pilot was the only person on board the Grumman G-164.
What we don't know:
The investigation is in the very early stages at this time. It’s unclear where the plane was going or why it crashed.
What's next:
The FAA is investigating the crash.
https://www.fox26houston.com/news/wharton-county-plane-crash-el-campo-fm-441-fm-3086
Dodge County Sheriff's identify victims in small plane crash on Platte River
McKenzy Parsons
FREMONT, Neb. —
UPDATE 1:00 p.m.: The Dodge County Sheriff's Office has identified the victims killed in the plane crash on the Platte River south of Fremont.
The victims have been identified as 43-year-old Daniel Williams of Moundridge, Kansas, 50-year-old Jeff Bittinger, and 48-year-old Randy Amrein, of Fremont.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are taking over the investigation.
Update 7:30 a.m. - KETV's Eddie Messel was on the scene of the plane crash that killed 3 people. Messel scoped the area near the Platte River.
Messel reported seeing the plane submerged early Saturday morning. We have reached out to the NTSB and are waiting for comment, as the investigation continues into the weekend.
On Friday, Nebraska first responders were on scene of an aircraft crash south of Fremont.
The Fremont Rural Fire Department confirmed a plane has crashed in the Platte River around 8 p.m.
A small plane was traveling along the river when it went down and crashed into the river.
Boats were searching the water, and Fremont officials confirmed three people were found dead.
Their identities will not be released at this time, according to officials.
The Dodge County Sheriff's Office has asked the public to avoid the area.
A source told KETV the crash likely resulted in multiple deaths, but we're waiting to confirm how many.
The investigation into the crash is still ongoing.
https://www.ketv.com/article/fremont-fire-officials-say-plane-crashed-near-fremont/64527946
Banner plane makes emergency landing in open field in city of Coachella
By Jesus Reyes
COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) - A plane carrying a banner made an emergency landing in an open field in the city of Coachella Friday evening.
The emergency landing happened just after 5:30 p.m. in the area of Calhoun Street and Avenue 49.
CAL FIRE confirmed it was a clean landing, there were no injuries reported.
"A single-engine Cessna made a successful emergency landing in an open field. One patient refused further medical treatment," reads a post by CAL FIRE.
The flight path shows the plane was circling the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival before the emergency landing.
A banner was stuck in a power line, leading to both sides of Calhoun Street to be closed. The banner has been removed and the road closure has been lifted.
350 passengers deplaned after Melbourne-Orlando airport incident
LeeAnn Huntoon
MELBOURNE, Fla. —
First responders were seen on the runway at Melbourne-Orlando International Airport Friday night.
According to airport director Greg Donovan, a B787-9 TUI aircraft departing for Birmingham, UK, aborted its takeoff due to an alarm in the cockpit.
Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey took to Facebook to address the situation.
"Unable to continue the taxi, airport personnel immediately responded and have been deplaning the 350 passengers and transporting them via buses to hotels," Alfrey said.
Mechanics from STS Technical Services are currently working with ground crews and towing resources to move the aircraft and assess the issue.
Airport staff, including the Operational Safety Section, Maintenance, Air Passenger Duty, and Menzies aircraft ground handling services, will remain on scene throughout the recovery process.
No injuries were reported.
https://www.wesh.com/article/melbourne-orlando-airport-incident/64531287
NTSB Prelim: Silvaire Luscombe 8A
Airplane Had Recently Been Reassembled And Had A Newly Overhauled Engine
Location: New Port Richey, FL Accident Number: ERA25LA159
Date & Time: March 27, 2025, 12:40 Local Registration: N28790
Aircraft: Silvaire Luscombe 8A Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
On March 27, 2025, at about 1240 eastern daylight time (EDT), a Luscombe 8A, N28790, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near New Port Richey, Florida. The private pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal
Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
According to the owner/operator, the airplane had recently been reassembled and had a newly overhauled engine installed about one and a half months prior to the accident flight. Prior to the accident flight, the pilot had flown the airplane on two previous test flights without any mechanical anomalies. The purpose of the accident flight was to perform another test flight before using the airplane for the pilot’s flight review. After the pilot departed the Tampa North Aero Park (X39), Tampa, Florida, he flew northwest towards the west coast of Florida. Upon reaching an altitude of 800 feet over the water, the pilot reported that he experienced a total loss of engine power.
The loss of power was smooth with no noticeable roughness, and the propeller continued to windmill. The pilot attempted to restart the engine using the primer and the throttle; however, the pilot was unable to restore engine power. The pilot searched for a suitable emergency landing area and decided to land in the grassy area of a water treatment plant. During the landing, the airplane hit a rut in the grass field and the airplane flipped over, resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and the rudder.
The wreckage was retained for further examination.
FMI: www.ntsb.gov
NTSB Prelim: PPHU Ekolot KR-030 Topaz
Pilot Stated That He Did Not Recall Any Aspects Of The Accident Sequence
Location: Platteville, WI Accident Number: CEN25LA149
Date & Time: April 8, 2025, 13:08 Local Registration: N568RD
Aircraft: PPHU Ekolot KR-030 Topaz Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
On April 8, 2025, about 1308 central daylight time, a PPHU Ekolot KR-030 Topaz light sport airplane, N568RD, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Platteville, Wisconsin. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) data initially depicted the airplane at 1233:04 about 1.5 miles southwest of the Platteville Municipal Airport (PVB). The initial altitude was about 1,400 ft mean sea level (msl). The pilot maneuvered in a 3-mile arc, circling east and then north of the airport. The pilot then continued to maneuver in a broad figure-eight pattern extending to 3-1/2 miles north and west of the airport.
About 1247:33, the airplane was positioned about 0.9 mile north-northeast of the airport about 1,380 ft msl. A gap in ADS-B coverage occurred from then until 1249:52 when the airplane was about 2.3 miles south of the airport. Afterward, no further ADS-B data was recorded.
The airplane impacted an open field about one-third mile south of the runway 33 threshold. The airframe sustained damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot stated that he did not recall any aspects of the accident sequence.
Airframe and engine examinations are planned following recovery of the airplane from the accident site.
FMI: www.ntsb.gov
NTSB Prelim: Schweizer 269C-1
(Pilot) Flew About 1 Mile When He Heard A “Pop” And The Engine RPM Decreased
Location: Alvord, TX Accident Number: CEN25LA107
Date & Time: February 28, 2025, 18:00 Local Registration: N2027T
Aircraft: Schweizer 269C-1 Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal
On February 28, 2025, about 1800 central standard time, a Schweizer 269C-1 helicopter was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Alvord, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot reported that he took off in the helicopter from his residence and flew about 1 mile when he heard a “pop” and the engine rpm decreased. He attempted to autorotate the helicopter to a field. The helicopter flipped over during the autorotation and came to rest inverted which resulted in substantial damage to the main rotor, fuselage, and tail boom.
The helicopter was retained for further examination.
FMI: www.ntsb.gov
Today in History
67 Years ago today: On 21 April 1958 United Airlines flight 736, a Douglas DC-7, crashed following a mid-air collision with a USAF North American F-100F Super Sabre near Arden, NV, USA, killing all 49 occupants on both aircraft.
Date: Monday 21 April 1958
Time: 08:30
Type: Douglas DC-7
Owner/operator: United Airlines
Registration: N6328C
MSN: 45142/745
Year of manufacture: 1956
Fatalities: Fatalities: 47 / Occupants: 47
Other fatalities: 2
Aircraft damage: Destroyed, written off
Category: Accident
Location: near Arden, NV - United States of America
Phase: En route
Nature: Passenger - Scheduled
Departure airport: Los Angeles International Airport, CA (LAX/KLAX)
Destination airport: New York-Idlewild International Airport, NY (IDL/KIDL)
Investigating agency: CAB
Confidence Rating: Accident investigation report completed and information captured
Narrative:
United Airlines flight 736, a Douglas DC-7, crashed following a mid-air collision with a USAF North American F-100F Super Sabre near Arden, NV, USA, killing all 49 occupants on both aircraft.
Flight UA736, a Douglas DC-7, took off from Los Angeles, California at 07:37 on an IFR flight to New York-Idlewild Airport with a planned cruising altitude of FL210.
At about 07:45 a US Air Force North American F-100F-5-NA Super Sabre fighter (56-3755) took off from Nellis Air Force Base on an instrument training flight. During the exercise the flight was executing a simulated jet penetration in the area of Las Vegas, NV. At 08:30 the fighter plane pilot reported that they were descending from FL280 near the KRAM radio station. At the same time, United flight 736 was approaching the Las Vegas VOR. Both aircraft collided at FL210, 9 miles south west of the Las Vegas VOR station on Victor Airway 8. Initial contact occurred between the leading edge of the DC-7 right wing and the leading edge of the F-100 right wing, 132 inches outboard of the aircraft centreline. It was determined that the DC-7 was flying at about 312 knots on a 23 degree heading and the F-100 at 444 knots on a 145 degree heading. Assuming a small descent angle of the F-100, the closure speed was about 665 knots. Both planes crashed out of control.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "A high rate of near head-on closure at high altitude; human and cockpit limitations; and the failure of Nellis Air Force Base and the Civil Aeronautics Administration to take every measure to reduce a known collision exposure."
