Local
Pilot airlifted after plane crashes near Medford airport
A single-occupant Piper PA-28 crashed and caught fire shortly after takeoff Friday morning in an open field near Flying W Airport & Resort. The pilot was conscious when flown to a hospital; federal investigators are handling the case.
A pilot was injured when a small plane crashed and caught fire Friday morning in an open field near Flying W Airport & Resort in Burlington County, authorities said.
The two-seat Piper PA-28 went down shortly after 9 a.m. in Lumberton, just north of the runway at the private airport in Medford. Police believe the crash happened soon after takeoff. The Federal Aviation Administration said the pilot was the only person aboard.
Lumberton Police Lt. Christopher Cheesman said the wreckage was smoldering and had caught fire. The pilot was airlifted to a nearby hospital and was alert and conscious during transport. Authorities have not released the pilot’s identity or described the extent of the injuries.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA will investigate the crash. No cause has been announced.