A small twin-engine cargo plane crashed close to a home in Londonderry, New Hampshire on Friday morning, leaving the pilot seriously injured. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that Wiggins Air Flight 1046 had just departed from Manchester Airport en route to Presque Isle International Airport in Maine when it crashed around 7:30 a.m. The pilot made an emergency call to airport control after takeoff, according to the Manchester airport director.
Londonderry Fire Chief Bo Butler confirmed at a news conference that the Beechcraft 99 went down in the woods behind a home at 5 Colonial Drive, approximately 70 feet from the residence. The homeowner, Eddie Saktanaset, expressed gratitude for their safety, stating that the crash was extremely close to their house.
Eye-witnesses reported hearing a loud boom and finding the plane had crashed in the woods. The pilot, who has not been identified, was conscious the entire time and was swiftly transported to a hospital with serious injuries. Despite the harrowing circumstances, no one on the ground was injured, and there was no property damage.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the cause of the crash. Wiggins Air has pledged full cooperation with authorities. The cleanup of the approximately 250 gallons of jet fuel on board at the time of the crash was handled by a hazardous materials team.
The pilot’s quick actions in bringing the plane down in the wooded area, avoiding trees and homes, earned praise from Deputy Fire Chief Philip LeBlanc. The fire chief also commended the swift emergency response and emphasized the potential dangers that were averted.
The historic significance of this topic (if applicable): The incident highlights the critical role of swift emergency response in managing and mitigating the impact of aviation accidents, underscoring the importance of safety measures in the aviation industry. Additionally, it serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with air travel and the resilience demonstrated by pilots and emergency response teams in such challenging situations.