A small plane recently crashed near Lancaster Airport in a fiery incident, with air traffic control audio revealing a critical issue just before the crash, offering insight into the cause of the terrifying event.
On March 9, a Beechcraft Bonanza carrying five people crashed in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, during the afternoon. Emergency teams rushed to the scene.
The aircraft went down near Lancaster Airport, and the control tower audio highlighted an urgent situation: the pilot reported that a door had opened mid-flight, causing trouble. The pilot requested immediate clearance to return to Lancaster.
Amid strong winds from the open door, the pilot also mentioned difficulty hearing radio transmissions, yet still sought permission to land on runway 26. Soon after, the plane crashed, and the controller urgently called for the plane to “pull up.” The grim confirmation of the crash came with a request for emergency responders, with the plane located just behind the terminal in a parking lot.
The crash occurred around 3:18 p.m. in the parking lot of Brethren Village, a retirement community near the airport. Several parked cars were damaged, but thankfully, no buildings were hit, and no one on the ground was injured. However, the five people on board were injured and taken to the hospital, with their conditions not immediately disclosed.
Dramatic footage showed the Beechcraft engulfed in flames, with black smoke billowing into the air. Nearby vehicles also caught fire, adding to the chaos.
The plane’s tail, marked N347M, was wedged against the wreckage of several parked cars as emergency responders rushed to the scene. Fire Chief Scott Little reported that first responders arrived within two minutes of the crash and found the plane and multiple cars on fire. Authorities confirmed that the aircraft had been en route to Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport in Ohio before the emergency arose.
Witnesses recounted the frightening moments leading up to the crash. One observer, Brian Pipkin, described watching the plane struggle in the sky. It veered left and suddenly nosedived while continuing its left turn. He rushed to the crash site and felt the intense heat, which he likened to opening a hot oven door.
Governor Josh Shapiro acknowledged the incident and mentioned that state police and other resources were aiding local responders. He praised the miraculous outcome that no one on the ground was harmed. Manheim Township Police Chief Duane Fisher also highlighted the fortunate outcome, given the risk involved in transportation.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have launched an investigation into the crash. Further details on the passengers’ conditions have yet to be released, but this incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with air travel and the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
This crash comes amidst a year already marked by tragic aviation events. A major plane collision near Washington, D.C. earlier this year shocked the nation, marking the deadliest commercial aviation disaster since 2009.
