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Pocono News Section
Plane Crashes at Airport Near Tunkhannock
Plane Crashes at Airport Near Tunkhannock - Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 5:55PM EST
EATON TWP., WYOMING COUNTY- A pilot overshot his landing Thursday afternoon, sending his single-engine plane over a cliff. The aircraft landed just 30 feet from homes.
The pilot has been identified as Gerry Cooper. He walked away from the crash with just scratches and a minor head injury. Officials at Skyhaven Airport near Tunkhannock say this crash is an example of why they need a longer runway.
This wasn't the landing pilot Gerry Cooper was looking for just before 1:00 P. M. Thursday at Skyhaven Airport. Workers say he misjudged the length of the runway and went over a cliff.
Airport mechanic Stephen Sickler said, “The runway’s so short, that they tend to look up and they under-estimate how much they have to land in."
Witnesses say after going off the runway, the pilot tried to slow down on the grass, but that didn't help. They say he's experienced. Airport owner Charlie Gay said, “He lives in the Wyoming Valley area. He's been around a lot of times. Either the winds switched a little bit, it’s hard to tell..."
Even after the accident, the single-engine plane was pretty much intact. The tail and the wings seemed to take the brunt of the damage.
The plane landed just about 30 feet from a trailer park. Residents say they've seen things like this before. “It’s not unusual, but we just want to make sure everyone's okay. That's the main thing," said Elmer Clark.
Skyhaven officials hope this accident brings attention to the fact that they need a longer runway. Right now, it’s only 2,000 feet. They're planning, but still need funding for, a 1,000 foot extension. “We've been working on that for years, going thru all the regulations and whatever we can do to get that lane on the other end," said Sickler.
Charlie Gay added, “It would make it a lot better. A lot better for people from out of the area if they want to land here."
The Federal Aviation Administration was called in to investigate the crash. When they are finished, the plane will be moved back to the airport's hanger. | | |
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