Share and Follow

A single-engine airplane carrying five people crashed and burst into flames Saturday in the parking lot of a retirement community near a small airport in suburban Pennsylvania, and everyone on board survived, officials and witnesses said.

The fiery crash happened around 3 p.m. just south of Lancaster Airport in Manheim Township, police Chief Duane Fisher told reporters at an evening briefing. All five victims were taken to hospitals in unknown condition. Nobody on the ground was hurt, the chief said.

Brian Pipkin was driving nearby when he noticed the small plane climbing before it suddenly veered to the left.

“And then it went down nose first,” he told The Associated Press. “There was an immediate fireball.”

Pipkin called 911 and then drove to the crash site, where he recorded video of black smoke billowing from the plane’s mangled wreckage and multiple cars engulfed in flames in a parking lot at Brethren Village. He said the plane narrowly missed hitting a three-story building at the sprawling retirement community about 75 miles (120 km) west of Philadelphia.

A fire truck from the airport arrived within minutes, and more first responders followed quickly.

“It was so smoky and it was so hot,” Pipkin said. “They were really struggling to get the fire out.” A dozen parked cars were damaged, Fisher said.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed there were five people aboard the Beechcraft Bonanza.

Air traffic control audio captured the pilot reporting that the aircraft “has an open door, we need to return for a landing.” An air traffic controller is heard clearing the plane to land, before saying, “Pull up!” Moments later, someone can be heard saying the aircraft was “down just behind the terminal in the parking lot street area.”

The FAA said it will investigate.

The crash comes about a month after seven people were killed when an air ambulance burst into flames after crashing onto a busy Philadelphia street.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Tiny dog Frannie's big impact: Donations pour in to help other pups

Little Pup Frannie’s Huge Influence: Donations Flow to Support More Dogs

Four years ago, a tiny dog named Frannie ran into her postman’s…
Texas National Guard in Chicago area: Trump says Johnson, Pritzker 'should be in jail' for 'failing to protect' ICE officers

Trump Criticizes Chicago Leadership: Claims Johnson and Pritzker Should Face Jail for Failing to Safeguard ICE Officers as Texas National Guard Moves In

CHICAGO (WLS) — President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Chicago Mayor…
LeAnn Rimes reveals health struggles after teeth fell out performing

LeAnn Rimes Opens Up About Health Challenges Following Tooth Loss While Performing

LeAnn Rimes has revealed that she’s had to keep her health struggles under…

Indiana Mother Vanishes Following ‘Suspicious’ House Fire

BAINBRIDGE, Indiana (WJW) Authorities are investigating the disappearance of an Indiana mother…
Before and after images show devastating destruction in Gaza

Before and after images show devastating destruction in Gaza

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! New satellite images reveal…
Disneyland guest dies after riding Haunted Mansion attraction, police say

Disneyland guest dies after riding Haunted Mansion attraction, police say

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A woman in her…
Israel seizes another Gaza flotilla

Israel seizes another Gaza flotilla

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Israeli forces intercepted another…
Witkoff and Kushner join Gaza talks as Hamas says hostage and prisoner lists exchanged

Real Estate Leaders Witkoff and Kushner Participate in Gaza Discussions Amid Hostage and Prisoner List Exchanges with Hamas

President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner will…