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On Saturday, a single-engine aircraft carrying five individuals crashed and ignited in the parking area of a retirement community close to a small airport in suburban Pennsylvania. Remarkably, all passengers on board survived, as confirmed by local officials and witnesses.
The incident occurred at approximately 3 p.m. near Lancaster Airport in Manheim Township, according to police chief Duane Fisher, who provided updates during a press conference later in the day. All five occupants were transported to local hospitals, though their conditions were not disclosed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the retirement community residents or bystanders.
Witness Brian Pipkin, who was driving in the vicinity, observed the plane ascending when it suddenly veered left and plunged downward.
“Then it went down nose first,” Pipkin recounted to The Associated Press. “There was an immediate fireball.”
After calling emergency services, Pipkin arrived at the crash site, capturing footage of thick black smoke pouring from the wreckage as well as several cars engulfed in flames within the parking lot of Brethren Village, the retirement community. He noted that the aircraft narrowly avoided crashing into a nearby three-story building, located about 75 miles (120 kilometers) west of Philadelphia.
Emergency response teams, including a fire truck from the airport, reached the scene within minutes, followed closely by additional first responders.
“The smoke was dense, and the heat was intense,” Pipkin stated. “They were having a tough time extinguishing the flames.”
The fire damaged approximately a dozen parked vehicles, and residents of Brethren Village were briefly advised to remain indoors as a safety precaution, Chief Fisher reported.
“I wouldn’t call it a miracle, but the outcome—everyone surviving and no injuries on the ground—is indeed a positive aspect of this unfortunate event,” Fisher commented.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) verified that five individuals were aboard the Beechcraft Bonanza, although specific details regarding the flight plan and intended destination were not immediately available following the incident.
Authorities have not provided updates on the medical conditions of the five individuals, nor have they clarified how everyone managed to survive the crash.
Audio from air traffic control revealed the pilot’s distress call, stating that “the aircraft has an open door, we need to return for a landing.” Moments later, an air traffic controller granted clearance for landing, followed by the urgent command, “Pull up!” Shortly thereafter, it was reported that the aircraft had gone down behind the terminal in the parking lot area.
The FAA has announced plans to initiate an investigation into the incident.
This collision follows a recent tragedy last month, where seven individuals lost their lives when an air ambulance exploded in flames after crashing onto a bustling street in Philadelphia.
Source
www.yahoo.com