Skydiving Plane Crash at Cross Keys Airport Injures 14

News Summary

A skydiving plane mishap at Cross Keys Airport resulted in 14 injuries when the Cessna 208B, carrying 15 people, crashed shortly after takeoff due to engine failure. The aircraft attempted to return for a safe landing but plunged off the runway into nearby woods. Emergency services responded quickly, with multiple casualties requiring medical evacuation. The incident raises serious safety concerns about the airport, particularly following previous mishaps involving the same aircraft. Ongoing investigations are being conducted by various authorities to determine the cause and ensure future safety.

Skydiving Plane Crash at Cross Keys Airport Injures 14

In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday evening, a skydiving plane carrying 15 people faced a catastrophic situation at Cross Keys Airport in Monroe Township, New Jersey. The incident unfolded around 5:30 p.m. local time when the Cessna 208B, part of ARNE Aviation LLC, encountered severe engine trouble shortly after takeoff.

The Incident

As the plane ascended into the sky, the pilot reported issues with the engine and attempted to make a U-turn to land safely. Unfortunately, the maneuver was unsuccessful, and the aircraft went off the end of the runway, crashing into the woods nearby. Eyewitness accounts described a rapid descent before the plane disappeared from tracking systems, descending at a staggering rate of approximately 3,008 feet per minute.

Casualties and Response

The aftermath of the crash left 14 out of the 15 individuals on board with varying degrees of injuries, ranging from minor to critical. One unfortunate soul decided to refuse medical treatment on the scene. Many of the passengers were reported as being covered in jet fuel, necessitating a thorough decontamination process before they could be transported to nearby hospitals.

In response to this emergency, multiple agencies rushed to the scene, and the incident was classified as a mass casualty event. Medical evacuation was swift, with three individuals airlifted by helicopter, all reported to be in critical condition. Medical teams worked hard to ensure that all injured parties received the attention they desperately needed.

Previous Incidents

This particular Cessna 208B wasn’t a stranger to mishaps, having been involved in a previous incident this year where its nose gear collapsed due to pilot error. The ongoing investigation into Wednesday’s crash is expected to involve several entities, including the Monroe Township Police Department, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, the FAA, and the NTSB.

Investigation and Cleanup

As authorities work tirelessly to determine the cause of the crash, the site will be thoroughly cleaned once investigations conclude. Meanwhile, aerial footage captured the harrowing moments of stretchers being carried out of the woods for medical evacuation, illustrating the urgency of the situation.

Community Preparedness

Interestingly enough, this wasn’t the first time local first responders had geared up for a situation like this. Just prior to the incident, they conducted mass casualty training exercises at Cross Keys Airport, which undoubtedly played a role in the rapid response seen on the ground.

Ongoing Concerns

This crash adds fuel to ongoing concerns regarding safety at Cross Keys Airport. The facility has a complicated history with aviation incidents, including previous crashes involving parachutists and smaller aircraft. As the community absorbs the impact of this tragic accident, the focus remains on recovery for those affected and a thorough investigation to ensure such events are mitigated in the future.

In a world where adventure beckons, safety must remain paramount. As this incident illustrates, the thrilling experience of skydiving comes with its own set of risks that airports, passengers, and companies must continually navigate and address.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• 6ABC News
• Wikipedia: Skydiving
• CNN
• Google Search: Skydiving plane crash New Jersey
• New York Times
• Google News: Plane crash Cross Keys Airport
• USA Today
• Google Scholar: Plane crash investigation