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Training Plane Loses Power, Lands in Northeast Philadelphia Park, Injuring Two

The probe into a reported power loss could sharpen scrutiny of training flights near neighborhoods.

Overview

  • A small training plane crashed into Fluehr Park in Northeast Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon, sending a flight instructor and his student to the hospital.
  • The instructor, 24-year-old John Aytch, said the Piper lost power over the Delaware River and he aimed for the park when it became clear they could not reach the airport.
  • The aircraft struck a tree as it came to a stop, and firefighters reported no fire at the scene.
  • Hazmat crews contained a small fuel spill, and workers removed the wreckage from the park on Thursday.
  • The FAA identified the airplane as a 2021 Piper PA-28 registered as N494LA and used by Fly Legacy Aviation for training, and the FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause.