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- Small plane crashes with 5 aboard in Pennsylvania (abcnews.go.com)
Five Passengers Survive Plane Crash Near Lancaster Airport
A Beechcraft Bonanza carrying five people crashed shortly after takeoff from Lancaster Airport on Sunday afternoon. The small plane went down near a retirement community in Lititz, Manheim Township, around 3 p.m.
Emergency responders were quickly on the scene, and all five passengers were transported to Lancaster General Hospital. Two individuals were later transferred to Lehigh Valley Health Network’s burn center, one by ground ambulance and two via PennSTAR helicopters.
Two patients remained at Lancaster General Hospital as of Sunday night. Thankfully, no injuries were reported on the ground.
Air traffic control audio suggests the pilot reported an open door and requested permission to return to the airport. While attempting to land, the controller instructed the pilot to “pull up” just seconds before the crash. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.
Images from the scene depict flames and smoke billowing from the wreckage. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed state police are assisting local authorities and pledged all available Commonwealth resources to the ongoing response. The NTSB will release further information as it becomes available.
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