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Small Plane Flips on Runway at Heritage Field, Pilot Hurt

A fuel leak from the overturned aircraft forced the airport to close pending a federal and local investigation.

Overview

  • Airport staff and first responders pulled the pilot from the overturned single-engine plane at Heritage Field on Wednesday evening and he was alert and talking before being taken to Reading Trauma Center.
  • Crews found the aircraft upside down on the runway and reported a fuel leak that firefighters monitored to prevent a fire and to secure the scene.
  • Limerick Township Police have opened a local investigation and officials say the FAA and NTSB were notified and are expected to inspect the wreckage and interview witnesses.
  • Authorities have not released whether the crash occurred during takeoff, landing or taxiing, and the cause remains under review.
  • Heritage Field serves private and recreational flyers so the closure will disrupt general-aviation activity and highlights the standard safety role of FAA and NTSB probes after runway incidents.